Seminars
The 500th anniversary of “The Prince” by Machiavelli serves as an opportunity to reflect on the transformation of the modern states and the elements that have ushered in these changes. The Italian Cultural Institute will explore this very topic through a series of seminars that will identify the chief catalysts of changes in the relationships between the state, society, and the economy. The seminars will shed light on how the centralized, nationalized state, especially in the realm of welfare politics, has weakened and has been progressively losing ground to supranational institutions, such as the UN and the European Union. Today’s emphasis on big society and subsidiarity is indicative of this change. There are many reasons for this shift; some reasons focus more on internal politics and strategies, while others are more closely related to economic globalization, and communication. The seminars will also explore the potential problems that such a shift may create for policy makers whose focuses are on finance and social welfare. December 9, – 9 am to 1 pm From “The Prince” to the Contemporary Theory of the State This first seminar will analyze the evolution of the concept and execution of the State, beginning with the work of Machiavelli. The most important factors affecting the evolution of the theory of the State will be addressed, including political and economic developments, the trend towards a bigger and more social society, the debate between vertical and horizontal subsidiarity in government, and the power structures of institutions charged with international and supranational governance.2:30 pm to 6:30pm Emerging Models of the New European Welfare This seminar will discuss emerging models and patterns of the new European welfare structure. Literature that explains the models of social welfare programs in the United States will accompany the discussion and serve as comparative reference material. Those in attendance will further reflect on how the current sovereign debt crisis in Europe and the decisions made by the national spending review boards are transforming welfare policies in the Euro zone. December 10, 2013 – 9am to 1pm Financial Markets and Democratic Sovereignty During the final seminar, the speakers will explore current issues in greater detail. Does it still make sense to discuss democratic autonomy when the Rating Agencies-Central Banks-Financial Institutions-Financial Markets axis determines economic outcomes and policy-making within states and supranational bodies like the European Union? Is the economic model prescribed by policy-making bodies working? What predictions can be made about the relationship between democracy and the financial markets in the short-term and long-term?