Vittoriano
CYCLE: An international capital: Rome and foreigners.
SPEAKER: Jean Pierre Darnis
DATE: Thursday 5 February, 6 p.m.
Asking about the international vocation of a city means interrogating the relationship this city has with the world. To answer this question, we can start with the institutions that fulfill international functions. Rome’s international vocation is linked to its status as the capital of the Italian Republic, but at the same time, Rome is home to a global Catholic dimension. Its international vocation is also expressed through cultural and social places. International schools and academies are cultural and social hubs that reflect the level of the city’s internationalization. Finally, certain industrial and technological sectors show a strong international vocation: ENI and the Roman aerospace district are key players in activities constantly directed abroad. The technological-industrial side of Rome represents a connection point with the most advanced realities of the planet, even though this panorama often takes a back seat to the more prominent focus on tourism and heritage. Once we examine the wide range of institutions contributing to the city’s international relations, we must then question the "vocation" expressed by these places, making Rome a particularly rich case to analyze for its multiple international facets.
