EU Identity/Globalizt

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

This course uses a broad definition of government and focuses on the interaction of social forces, political parties, and institutions in shaping contemporary Italian society. When elected into power in May 2001 with the centre-right coalition of the Casa delle Libertà Mr. Silvio Berlusconi, announced an ambitious programme aiming at radically changing the outlook of Italian society and politics, at reforming the welfare state, at re-organizing public administration and at liberalizing economy. Four years later, many promises still remain to be realized. This is certainly in part due to ad adverse economic situation and to strong opposition from the trade unions and other non-governmental organisations. However, Berlusconi’s controversial position as a media mogul and head of the government have not made things easier. The defeat in the recent regional elections has deepened the internal divisions of the centre-right. Paradoxically, the victory in the elections has helped the centre-left to become more united. The outcome of the elections planned for spring 2006 remains therefore highly uncertain. The aim of this course - designed for anyone curious about contemporary Italy - is to provide students with a basic knowledge of the main characteristics of contemporary Italian society and of Italian politics. This course counts toward the International Relations distribution requirement.