Course info

This course investigates the transformation of an enlarged Mediterranean area, from the expansion of the Italian Maritime Republics (11^th-14^th century) to the period of the early and late global empires during the Modern age, focusing on the role played by islands in the control of various Mediterranean sectors. Starting from the 11^th century, the course analyses the global evolution of Mediterranean inter-imperial relations in its global context, up to the end of the Cold War. Finally, it will reflect on possible future evolutions of the Mediterranean geo-strategic scenario in the 21^st century and its possible significance for world balance. It emphasizes the global relevance of this inter-imperial area of contact in the emergence of global empires and international society between the 19^th and 20^th century and the consequences it could have on the development of the current geopolitical situation in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Americas.