Location:

Milan, Italy

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

The important changes that are going on in the different countries of the Arab world have led to the international community's attention the question of overcoming authoritarian and dictatorial regimes in these as in other emerging and developing countries. In these areas, the demand and the spread of democratic institutions has generated important challenges and questions about the functioning and future of democracy. What are the foundations of the democratic model which the citizens of the countries troubled by phases of reform and regime change seem to aspire to? What triggers the dynamics of protest and transition, and what are the possible outcomes? Is democracy sustainable only in countries that have reached a certain level of economic development or, conversely, can be a root cause of the rapid economic growth in the poorest countries? The introduction of elections and political pluralism is an instrument of integration and overcoming conflicts between different communities within the same country, or it risks to polarize relationships and make it more difficult to live together? The Islamic world poses a challenge to the compatibility of democracy? What paths of reform is following the Chinese regime? And yet, how these hybrid regimes that were halfway between full democracy and a hard authoritarianism work? These and other issues are discussed and examined in a systematic way through a series of meetings that combine the analysis of global processes of spreading democracy through the study of specific cases, with particular attention to the transitions of the Arab world’s countries, the relationship between political regime and economic growth in China, and the overcoming of conflicts through democratic progress in the sub-Saharan Africa.

The ISPI Winter and Summer School offer students, graduates, and young professionals the opportunity to get closer to major international issues through a catalog of intensive short courses on topics such as: Development and Cooperation Humanitarian Emergencies European Affairs Microfinance Human Rights Project Planning Geopolitical Areas The Winter School provides courses of 15 hours each, offered on weekends (Friday and Saturday from 9.30am to 6.30pm). The Summer School provides courses of 15 hours each offered in July and September, developed on two days each (Monday / Tuesday, Wednesday / Thursday, Friday / Saturday) from 9.30am to 6.30pm. The program allows participation to a maximum of three courses per week. The multidisciplinary approach adopted allows an analysis of the historical, political, legal, economic, and cultural issues addressed, providing participants with the necessary tools for further studies. The "traditional" teaching approach is supplemented by testimonials, tutorials, simulations, illustrations, case studies, as well as the active involvement of participants through group work. The ISPI Winter and Summer School courses are recognized by some universities in Lombardy, in order to obtain credits. The Summer School ISPI is also partner of the Summer School of Milan. Thanks to this agreement, each student who attends the Summer School courses ISPI will receive a card with which you can get discounts at various exhibitions and museums of Milan.

Setting Description:

Founded in 1934, ISPI is one of the oldest and most prestigious international relations institutes in Italy, with its headquarters in Palazzo Clerici, Milan. It is a private law association, granted the status of non-profit-making body in 1972, and operates under the supervision of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Where the management is concerned, it is under the control of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the State Auditors’ Court. ISPI’s scientific output has always been distinguished by a sound pragmatic approach, based on monitoring the various geo-political areas and interpreting the major trends in progress on the global scene, so as to provide political and economic operators with reliable information and guidance. Its interdisciplinary nature is guaranteed by the close collaboration of specialists in economics, politics, law, history and strategic studies (from both academic and non-academic circles) and by partnerships with prestigious institutions and research cent

Cost:

The EUR 200 course fee includes all instructional materials