The British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar in the Iberian Peninsula has been a British possession since 1704 and has been British by treaty since 1713. Spain has attempted to reclaim sovereignty of "the Rock" ever since, culminating in a 16-year blockade from 1969. As the results of a survey show, despite a population whose origins are more evidently Mediterranean than British, the inhabitants have remained fiercely attached to Britain and in the process have created a hybrid identity of "British Gibraltarian" which is more determined by political than ethnic factors, is based on "not-Spanish" identity markers and is not unrelated to three uninterrupted centuries of British jurisdiction.(107 words)

The article analyses the relationship between the United Kingdom and its Overseas Territories since the publication of the 1999 White Paper Partnership for Progress and Prosperity. The article considers the efforts by the UK government to improve links with the territories via a new partnership based on mutual obligations and responsibilities. The article focuses on the two most important aspects of the White Papergovernance and economic growth and sustainability. Much has been achieved, but fundamental structural problems in the relationship remain unattended. The article concludes by recommending how the relationship can be improved over the coming years.

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Explores and compares the strategic development of Spain's two most important retail organisations, El Corte Ingle  s and Galerõ Âas Preciados. Both department stores were established in the 1930s, but while the former has gone from strength to strength, Galerõ Âas Preciados changed hands several times before going into receivership in 1994, when it was bought up by El Corte Ingle  s. A comparative case study approach which focuses on outlet growth, diversification, financial control and continuity is used to identify the factors which appear to account for the contrasting fates of the organisations. Concludes that careful planning, vertical integration and continuity of ownership and positioning within the context of the macro-environment contributed to El Corte Ingle  s' success and longevity.

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