Italian Contemporary Politics: A Handbook. Presented by Dr. Giuseppe Sorrentino. Tuesday, July 23rd @ 7:00 PM. The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere, 79 Howard Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301. Click here to register. Q & A, Refreshments and a light reception will follow. DONATION: $15 Member • $20 Non-Member

In the 74 years of its Republic, Italy has seen 65 different governments, with an average of a new administration every 1.13 years. The mandate of a regular government, according to the Italian Constitution, would be 5 years. This makes Italy one of the most unstable, yet incredibly functional democracy in the world. 

With a proliferation of parties from left and right, different clashing interests, organized crime, terrorist organizations, and hidden forces at play, the history of Italian politics could be the backdrop of an exciting political thriller. However, this is all reality to millions of Italians.

In this lecture, Dr. Giuseppe Sorrentino will analyze the development of an Italian political identity, throughout the course of the 20th century, with particular focus on the last 30 years of political clashes and turmoil. The scope of the lecture is that of providing the audience with the right tools to navigate and understand contemporary politics in Italy and how the history of the nation is reflected in it.

About Professor Giuseppe Sorrentino:
As a scholar of American Studies, a Fulbright Alumni, and an Instructor of Italian, he has devoted his career to the encounter between cultures and identities. His activity as a professor, has always been focused on bridging cultures, expanding students’ vision towards a better understanding of global issues, and helping them develop their critical skills. His research interests are characterized by the same focus on different cultures and disciplines: US History and Literature, American and Comparative Literature, Italian-American Studies, Film Studies and Foreign Language Pedagogy. He is currently Coordinator of the Italian Program and Adjunct Professor of History at Wagner College, Staten Island, NY teaching Italian language courses at all levels, History of Italian Cinema courses and an Italian Theatre course. He is Adjunct Assistant Professor of Italian at CUNY College of Staten Island, Assistant Professor of Comparative Literature at CUNY Baruch College, New York and Adjunct Professor of Italian at Ramapo College of New Jersey.