International Relations and Political Studies

Sicily's unique location has made it a strategic center for political and economic activity for many years. In the 20th century Sicily was impacted socially, politically and economically by both outside and inside forces, including the U.S. Sicily continues to play an international role as a crossroad among three continents whose politics and dynamics are constantly changing..

Course descriptions:

POL 521 Mysteries and black holes in italian political leadership from world war II to today begins with Sicily's unique role in World War II and continues chronologically by exploring issues such as Sicilian independence, the Mattei Case, the impact of the O.S.S. and C.I.A., Red Terrorism, Moro's assassination, the Mafia, the influence of the Catholic Church, the crash of the Berlin Wall, Tangentopoli, Berlusonism and the historical sociological and economic impact of each on the Sicilians. Taught by Paolo Valentino, Rome Senior Foreign Policy columnist, Corriere della Sera, former Bureau Chief for Washington, Moscow and Berlin who provides an insider's perspective and insight.