Francesco D’Arrigo

Director of the Institute

Francesco D’Arrigo is one of the founding members of the Machiavelli Institute. His professional career has followed two main tracks: one in Military and Civil Aviation and another in academe.
Captain D’Arrigo served as officer in the Italian Navy. During his service in the Italian armed forces, in addition to other military and professional qualifications, he graduated naval aviator and helicopter pilot from the U.S. Navy Flight Training Command.
Mr. D’Arrigo has gained long-term professional and academic experience, leading several research institutes. He is a lecturer in aviation security and during his career he has organized high-education courses, seminars and conferences, at national and international level.
Mr. D’Arrigo holds a degree in Political Science.


Claudio Neri

Director of the Research Department

Claudio Neri is one of the founding members of the Machiavelli Institute.
He is a lecturer in intelligence and national security affairs with specialization on analytic techniques and intelligence organizations. He is consultant for several Italian and foreign institutions.
Mr. Neri is also responsible for the Institute’s Observatory on Strategic and International Affairs and for the Research Program on National Security Strategies.
Mr. Neri graduated in Law and holds an MA in International Relations and an M.A. in Intelligence and Security Studies.


Cristina Palmieri

External Relations

Cristina Palmieri has been in charge of the institutional relations for companies and research centres both in Italy and abroad. For many years she has been cooperating with a network of public and private organizations carrying out fund raising activities and coordinating ESF projects.