Module description
This module introduces students to the Italian political economy in the context of Italy’s insertion into European integration and is divided into three parts. The first part deals with the Italian political and economic system starting from a Gramscian understanding of the Italian political economy. After defining concepts such as hegemony and civil society, the investigation moves to the identification of the Italian socio-economic structure as embodied in the Italian groups of interests. Attention will be paid also to the dark side of Italian politics and economics with a focus on the underground economy and irregular labour market. The second part focuses on the Europeanisation of decision-making and implementation in economic, monetary and multi-level governance of socio-economic policies. Here the concept of Italian competitiveness will be developed in relation to the progress of European Integration, especially the European monetary integration from the exchange rate mechanism of the European Monetary system to the Economic and Monetary Union, the Euro-zone crisis and the political economy of fiscal co-ordination. The third part deals with the relations between Italy, its neighbours and the world. The questions of irregular migration from the Global South, of the evolution of the Fortress Europe and the militarisation of the border will be discussed highlighting their consequences on the Italian political system with a special attention to the rise of right-wing populism. Finally, the management of the COVID19 crisis in Italy will be analysed in the context of the global fight against the pandemic
*Please note that module information is provisional and may change from year to year.
Assessment details
One group presentation (10 mins) (15%) and one 3000 word Essay (85%)
Educational aims & objectives
The aim of this module is to introduce students to Italian politics in the context of its insertion into European integration and world politics. The module will address issues relating to the institutionalisation of new and representative structures in western European nation states; the rooting of democratic rules and behaviour in politically and socially charged environments; and the adoption of institutions and new decision-making and implementation options that are linked to supranationalism and multilevel governance systems. The module will furthermore teach students analytical skills as required to objectively consider past and current developments in Italy and the relationship between Italy, Europe and the world, in order to identify enduring and changing features of Italian politics. Finally, and in pursuit of the aforementioned, key issues in Italian politics will be considered, in order to derive a more precise understanding of important turning points in contemporary Italian politics and its relations with Europe and the world at large.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module students will:
- understand theoretically informed arguments about the Italian political system, its development and the current challenges;
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understand the impact of the European Union on Italian institutions, politics and policies;
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be able to use the conceptual toolkits of Comparative Politics and International Relations to interpret the Italian case;
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be able to communicate their understanding of Italian politics through effective oral presentations and written essays.'
Teaching pattern
Two hours per week, 2 hour seminar
Indicative teaching schedule
Part I: The Italian political and socio-economic structure
Week 1: Gramsci and the Political Economy of Italy
Week 2: Italian socio-economic interest groups and the Trade Unions
Week 3: The underground economy and irregular labour markets
Part II: The political Economy of Italy in Europe
Week 4: The Italian experience in the ERM of the EMS
Week 5: The political Economy of Italy in the Euro
Week 6: The Euro-Zone crisis: the case of Italy
Part III: Italy, its neighbours and migration
Week 7: The Fortress Europe and the militarisation of the Italian border
Week 8: Irregular migration to Italy
Week 9: Populism and the case of Italy
Week10: The political economy of the Italian response to the COVID 19 crisis
Note that this teaching schedule is indicative and subject to change.
Suggested reading list