STORIA DELLA DIPLOMAZIA E DELLE RELAZIONI INTERNAZIONALI

The aim of the course is to provide students with a critical knowledge of the characteristics, forms, tools and functions of diplomacy in the past and present, as well as the dynamics that have characterized international relations between states, from the Congress of Vienna to our days. Special attention will be given to the Italian foreign policy since 1860 to present day and the evolution of international relations during the 20th century. On the basis of the Dublin Descriptors, at the end of the course students should achieve the following results:

- Knowledge and understanding: Acquire in-depth knowledge of the main events, historical dynamics, institutions, theories and practices that have characterised the history of diplomacy and international relations, with particular attention to historical, political and cultural contexts. Develop the skills necessary to understand the decision-making process that leads to the choices of the main international actors and the methods of negotiation that give rise to international agreements and treaties.

- Applying knowledge and understanding: Apply the knowledge acquired to critically analyse diplomatic processes and the dynamics of international relations, assessing the role of state and non-state actors in the international system. Identify and locate bibliography and historical and documentary sources to understand contemporary international challenges.

- Making judgements: Develop the ability to critically evaluate diplomatic strategies and international policies, considering historical contexts and political, economic and social implications. Be able to evaluate different historiographical perspectives on diplomacy and international relations. Analyse the implications of diplomatic decisions and international policies on today's political and social system.

- Communication skills: Be able to express clearly and accurately concepts related to diplomacy and international relations, highlighting their characteristics and their impact on the global system. Master the most appropriate vocabulary and terminology to accurately describe events on the international stage.

- Learning skills: Acquire the tools necessary to navigate the examination of past international issues and critically reflect on the long-term origins of current problems; demonstrate the ability to independently explore topics related to diplomacy and international relations, using a systematic methodology to understand historical concepts and theories. Be able, through the analysis of appropriate texts and sources, to develop individual research paths that go beyond the topics covered in class.

Frontal lessons, in-depth seminars and laboratory activities with active involvement of students.

Knowledge of historical, political, institutional events of the modern and contemporary age on the international scene.

Recommended, but not mandatory.

Typical features, forms and functions of diplomacy. Diplomatic agents. Diplomatic documents. Historical evolution of diplomacy.

The Vienna Congress. The system of balances and the principle of legitimacy. The wars of the end of 1800. Towards the creation of “opposing sides”.

Italian foreign policy from unification to the present day.

The diplomacy of the ‘900 and the great international conferences. The First World War and its legacies.

The evolution of international relations in the years between the two world wars

The disintegration of Europe and the Second World War.

Diplomatic attempts to save the peace and the prospect of a new diplomatic era.

The founding of the UN

The beginnings and structure of the Cold War.

The creation of the European Community.

Global antagonism and détente.

The end of the Cold War and the formation of a new international order.

Diplomacy’s new challenges.

The new geopolitics of the big and medium powers.

1) F. Romero, Storia internazionale dell’età contemporanea, Carocci, Roma 2012.

2) G. Astuto, La decisione di guerra. Dalla Triplice Alleanza al Patto di Londra, Rubbettino, Soveria Mannelli 2019 (capp. I-V e VIII-XI). 
2) L. Riccardi, Storia e diplomazia. Storia delle relazioni internazionali e politica estera italiana, Società Editrice Dante Alighieri, Roma 2024, (from p. 115 to 251).

As an alternative to the second and third texts, during the lessons will be provided lecture notes by the teacher, also available on Studium

The learning assessment method is the oral examination. For attending students it is possible to take part in on-going verifications (written and / oral), aimed at ascertaining the knowledge of a part of the program. The final exam will involve answering questions aimed to ascertain the degree of knowledge and under standing of the entire program.

The assessment is made according to the following evaluation criteria:

30-30 cum laude: in-depth understanding of the topics presented in the appropriate language and with remarkable analytical skills. The student will be able to apply the knowledge acquired to thoroughly and comprehensively answer the set questions.

28-29: excellent knowledge of the topics presented with mastery of the language. The student can confidently apply the knowledge gained to answering the set questions.

25-27: good knowledge of the topics presented in the appropriate language and with a conscious ability to independently apply the knowledge gained to answer the set questions.

23-24: fair knowledge of the topics presented with suitable language and adequate ability to autonomously apply the notions acquired to answer the set questions.

18-22: sufficient knowledge of the topics presented in basic language to answer the set questions.

Insufficient: the student does not demonstrate an acceptable knowledge of the topics and themes covered in the program.

What are internal relationships

The birth of diplomacy and international relations

The European order in the nineteenth century

Italian foreign policy in liberal Italy

Italy and the First World War

From the Great Depression to the Second World War

The second post-war period in Europe

The foreign policy of republican Italy
Atlantism and Europeanism

International bodies and treaties

Cold war and the bipolar system

European integration

Globalization and the new challenges of diplomacy