Workshop: from Bipolarism to Multipolarism: New Balances and Challenges in a Global World. Current Research
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
This workshop aims to provide a sound knowledge of the historical background of current global international relations, by examining in depth the path from the geopolitical order of Cold War to the present multi-polar scenery.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the workshop, students will have acquired the knowledge of the main types of sources for the Post-Cold War history of international relations. They will be able to orient themselves to the documentation, especially those already published. On a methodological point of view, these skills will be acquired through direct and ongoing meetings with the lecturer in the classroom.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The central theme of the workshop is the history of space exploration, examined within the dynamic context of geopolitical developments in the 20th and 21st centuries. Space will be considered as a privileged arena for the evolution of international relations, where competition, cooperation, and strategic interests intersect.
The course will begin with the early phases of space exploration, focusing on the key figures often referred to as the "founding fathers," and will then explore the pivotal role of propulsion technologies developed during the Second World War. Special attention will be given to the Cold War, viewed through the lens of the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union, with a specific focus on European dynamics.
From the onset of the space age, the workshop will address crucial issues such as international scientific collaboration, space diplomacy, the development of the space economy, and the gradual militarization of space.
The aim of the workshop is to equip students with critical tools and historical knowledge to better understand contemporary challenges related to the commercialization, militarization, and legal regulation of outer space.
The course will begin with the early phases of space exploration, focusing on the key figures often referred to as the "founding fathers," and will then explore the pivotal role of propulsion technologies developed during the Second World War. Special attention will be given to the Cold War, viewed through the lens of the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union, with a specific focus on European dynamics.
From the onset of the space age, the workshop will address crucial issues such as international scientific collaboration, space diplomacy, the development of the space economy, and the gradual militarization of space.
The aim of the workshop is to equip students with critical tools and historical knowledge to better understand contemporary challenges related to the commercialization, militarization, and legal regulation of outer space.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific requirements different from those requested for the degree admission.
Teaching methods
The workshop will be structured around two complementary activities: lectures by the lecturer and the discussion of sources (documents, statements, official speeches, articles) inherent to some aspects of the theme of each lesson. Texts in English or Italian will be provided to students in advance.
Teaching Resources
All historical sources provided by the lecturer.
For a brief introduction to the issue, facultative readings are:
Siddiqi, Asif A. Challenge to Apollo: The Soviet Union and the Space Race, 1945-1974. NASA History Series, 2000.
McDougall, Walter A. ...The Heavens and the Earth: A Political History of the Space Age. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1985.
Krige, John, Russo, Arturo. A History of the European Space Agency 1958-1987. ESA Publications, 2000.
Bonnet, Roger-Maurice, and Manno, Vittorio. International Cooperation in Space: The Example of the European Space Agency. Harvard University Press, 1994.
For a brief introduction to the issue, facultative readings are:
Siddiqi, Asif A. Challenge to Apollo: The Soviet Union and the Space Race, 1945-1974. NASA History Series, 2000.
McDougall, Walter A. ...The Heavens and the Earth: A Political History of the Space Age. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1985.
Krige, John, Russo, Arturo. A History of the European Space Agency 1958-1987. ESA Publications, 2000.
Bonnet, Roger-Maurice, and Manno, Vittorio. International Cooperation in Space: The Example of the European Space Agency. Harvard University Press, 1994.
Assessment methods and Criteria
In order to obtain 3 CFU, students will be evaluated at the end of the course. In addition to attending lessons, all students will have to work on materials and historical sources provided by the lecturer, and to discuss them in the classroom.
Evaluation criteria: ability on critical reflection on the completed work, quality, efficacy and clarity of public presentation, ability on team work.
The format of the evaluation for students with disabilities/DSA should be arranged in advance with the lecturer.
Evaluation criteria: ability on critical reflection on the completed work, quality, efficacy and clarity of public presentation, ability on team work.
The format of the evaluation for students with disabilities/DSA should be arranged in advance with the lecturer.
Professor(s)