This chapter explores the unique and impactful rectorship of Carlo Sforza at the University for Foreigners of Perugia (1947–1952), during his simultaneous tenure as Italy’s Foreign Minister. Far from being a merely symbolic appointment, Sforza's leadership shaped the university's institutional recovery and international projection in the aftermath of World War II. While the day-to-day management was delegated to his deputies, Sforza infused the university with his liberal, internationalist ideals—those that had long guided his diplomatic vision. The chapter situates Sforza’s academic role within the broader framework of his foreign policy, marked by three pillars: Atlanticism, Europeanism, and commitment to the United Nations. It shows how these priorities translated into cultural diplomacy through the University for Foreigners, turning it into a key soft power instrument for post-fascist Italy. Through structural reforms, targeted international partnerships, and symbolic academic events, Sforza fostered a renewed global mission for the institution, while helping to restore Italy’s credibility abroad. Bronzini delves into the historical, political, and educational significance of Sforza’s term as rector, emphasizing how the university's trajectory mirrored the broader redefinition of Italian foreign policy. Initiatives such as international scholarships, academic cooperation with Latin America and Western Europe, and the integration of figures like Maria Montessori into the university’s pedagogical vision exemplified this alignment. Furthermore, the rise of alumni associations abroad illustrated the consolidation of transnational academic networks with Perugia at their core. In conclusion, the chapter interprets Sforza’s rectorship as a prototype of cultural diplomacy and a cornerstone in Italy’s effort to reconnect with the international community through education and culture. His legacy at the University for Foreigners exemplifies how intellectual leadership and strategic vision can transform an academic institution into a diplomatic actor.
Il capitolo ricostruisce l’esperienza rettorale di Carlo Sforza all’Università per Stranieri di Perugia tra il 1947 e il 1952, periodo in cui ricoprì anche la carica di ministro degli Esteri. Lungi dall’essere una nomina solo onorifica, il rettorato di Sforza contribuì in modo decisivo alla rinascita dell’Ateneo nel secondo dopoguerra, proiettandolo al centro delle strategie italiane di diplomazia culturale. Pur delegando la gestione quotidiana ai prorettori Vischia e Prosciutti, Sforza seppe imprimere una visione coerente con i suoi ideali liberal-democratici e internazionalisti, già alla base della sua politica estera. L’analisi storica evidenzia la convergenza fra il progetto politico-culturale dell’Università e le linee direttrici della diplomazia italiana nel secondo dopoguerra: atlantismo, europeismo e impegno per la costruzione delle Nazioni Unite. L’Università per Stranieri diventò così uno strumento cruciale di soft power, capace di rafforzare l’immagine dell’Italia democratica attraverso la promozione della lingua e della cultura. Sotto la guida di Sforza, l’Ateneo si riorganizzò sul piano finanziario e accademico, ampliando la rete di relazioni internazionali, rilanciando le borse di studio (come le Fulbright) e ospitando lezioni affidate a figure simboliche della cultura italiana, come Riccardo Bacchelli, Amedeo Maiuri e Maria Montessori. Il capitolo mostra come la Stranieri, nel rettorato Sforza, non solo si riqualificò come centro di alta cultura, ma divenne anche laboratorio per una diplomazia culturale innovativa, orientata a favorire l’integrazione europea e il rientro dell’Italia nel consesso delle democrazie occidentali. La visione strategica del ministro-rettore contribuì così a fare dell’Università per Stranieri di Perugia non solo un’istituzione educativa, ma un attore della politica estera italiana. La sua prolusione Come fare l’Europa? (1948) ne rappresentò il manifesto ideale.
Il ministro e il rettore. Carlo Sforza rettore dell’Università per stranieri di Perugia
Bronzini, Giovanni Battista
2024-01-01
Abstract
This chapter explores the unique and impactful rectorship of Carlo Sforza at the University for Foreigners of Perugia (1947–1952), during his simultaneous tenure as Italy’s Foreign Minister. Far from being a merely symbolic appointment, Sforza's leadership shaped the university's institutional recovery and international projection in the aftermath of World War II. While the day-to-day management was delegated to his deputies, Sforza infused the university with his liberal, internationalist ideals—those that had long guided his diplomatic vision. The chapter situates Sforza’s academic role within the broader framework of his foreign policy, marked by three pillars: Atlanticism, Europeanism, and commitment to the United Nations. It shows how these priorities translated into cultural diplomacy through the University for Foreigners, turning it into a key soft power instrument for post-fascist Italy. Through structural reforms, targeted international partnerships, and symbolic academic events, Sforza fostered a renewed global mission for the institution, while helping to restore Italy’s credibility abroad. Bronzini delves into the historical, political, and educational significance of Sforza’s term as rector, emphasizing how the university's trajectory mirrored the broader redefinition of Italian foreign policy. Initiatives such as international scholarships, academic cooperation with Latin America and Western Europe, and the integration of figures like Maria Montessori into the university’s pedagogical vision exemplified this alignment. Furthermore, the rise of alumni associations abroad illustrated the consolidation of transnational academic networks with Perugia at their core. In conclusion, the chapter interprets Sforza’s rectorship as a prototype of cultural diplomacy and a cornerstone in Italy’s effort to reconnect with the international community through education and culture. His legacy at the University for Foreigners exemplifies how intellectual leadership and strategic vision can transform an academic institution into a diplomatic actor.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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Descrizione: Capitolo 14 del volume L’UNIVERSITÀ PER STRANIERI DI PERUGIA Storia di un ateneo aperto al mondo
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