Elcano Royal Institute
Spanish independent think tank on international relations and security. It publishes analysis, opinion polling and indices on Spain's place in the world.
At a glance
- Entity level
- Organisation
- Type
- Non-profit or think tank
- Also known as
- Real Instituto Elcano
- Flagship output
- España en el mundo: perspectivas y desafíos (latest: España en el mundo en 2026, 28 January 2026)
- Category
- Strategic & country intelligence
- Also covers
- Geopolitical & political risk
- Tier
- Tier 2: Spain's leading international-affairs think tank; recurring annual outlook and barometer
- Headquarters
- Madrid, Spain
- Coverage
- Global geopolitics, Spain's international position, security, Latin America, Europe
- Public access
- Free
- Latest activity seen
- 28 Jan 2026
- Evidence
- Verified
How it produces intelligence
Analyst team writes policy papers and an annual outlook. Also runs a regular public opinion barometer and the quantitative Elcano Global Presence Index.
Risk themes
Focus regions
Leadership
- Charles Powell, Director
- Ignacio Molina, Coordinator, España en el mundo en 2026
Links
What it publishes
| Output | Type | Cadence | Latest edition | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| España en el mundo: perspectivas y desafíos | Annual outlook | Annual | España en el mundo en 2026 | 28 Jan 2026 | Read report |
| Barómetro del Real Instituto Elcano | Survey | Irregular | Visit site | ||
| Elcano Global Presence Index | Index | Annual | Visit site | ||
| Conversaciones Elcano | Podcast | Irregular | España en el mundo en 2026 to 6x08 | Read report |
Latest findings
Recent public risk calls by Elcano Royal Institute, summarised in our own words. They are its views, not 311's. Follow each source for the original.
Elcano sees 2026 as difficult for Spain abroad, with six critical fronts: Ukraine, the US and China, the EU, the Global South, Latin America and domestic polarisation.
28 Jan 2026 · Horizon: 2026 · Source: El Independiente: El Instituto Elcano prevé un 2026 ni plácido ni positivoSpain's bigger defence problem is not rejecting the 5% NATO target, which others will also miss, but a perceived weak contribution on NATO's eastern flank.
28 Jan 2026 · Horizon: 2026 · Source: El Independiente: El Instituto Elcano prevé un 2026 ni plácido ni positivoGreater White House activism in Latin America, and some governments aligning with Trump, will shrink Spain's and the EU's influence there. The Ibero-American Summit and EU, Mercosur ratification are key tests.
28 Jan 2026 · Horizon: 2026 · Source: El Independiente: El Instituto Elcano prevé un 2026 ni plácido ni positivoReduced US reliability is pushing Europe and Asia to bolster their own defences. A ceasefire in Ukraine could force Spain to reset its strategic priorities.
28 Jan 2026 · Horizon: 2026 · Source: El Independiente: El Instituto Elcano prevé un 2026 ni plácido ni positivo
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Questions about Elcano Royal Institute
What is Elcano Royal Institute?
Spanish independent think tank on international relations and security. It publishes analysis, opinion polling and indices on Spain's place in the world.
How does Elcano Royal Institute produce its intelligence?
Analyst team writes policy papers and an annual outlook. Also runs a regular public opinion barometer and the quantitative Elcano Global Presence Index.
Where is Elcano Royal Institute based?
Elcano Royal Institute is based in Madrid, Spain.
What does Elcano Royal Institute cover?
Its work covers geopolitics, conflict & security, elections & politics, trade & supply chains, energy & commodities, with a focus on Europe, Latin America, Spain.
Profile compiled by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit from public sources. Last checked 21 Oct 2026. Listing is not a ranking or an endorsement. Evidence source. Is this your organisation? Request a correction.