IAI Turin Essay Prize 2021

The deadline for submission of essays has been extended to 15 October 2021.

The Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) is pleased to announce the launch of the IAI Turin Essay Prize 2021, a new initiative aimed at fostering debate and stimulating discussion on relevant themes tied to Italian foreign policy, with an emphasis new generations. 

The essay contest, launched by IAI in the context of its strategic partnership with the Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation, and the Department of Historical Studies of the University of Turin, with the support of the centres of excellence – the School of Advanced Studies “Ferdinando Rossi” and the Luigi Einaudi Foundation – is directed at students aged 32 or younger and enrolled at the University of Turin. Applicants should reflect on historical, social, cultural, technological and economic-related aspects connected to current and past trends in Italian foreign policy by drafting a short analytic essay.

In a context of profound transformations in the international system, with conflict and instability growing in the Middle East and North Africa, rising tensions with Russia and China and widespread uncertainty for the post COVID-19 recovery phase, the Istituto Affari Internazionali launched the initiative to critically engage with students and discuss Italian foreign policy and Italian interests as well as challenges and capabilities on the international scene.

How to participate

Interested applicants should send a novel, unpublished essay written in English of no longer than 2500 words (including footnotes). Essays can address any topic of relevance to Italian foreign policy (see attached document).

Essays should be submitted in a word document, along with an updated CV, proof of age and of enrolment at the University of Turin to Dr. Elisabetta Farroni (e.farroni(at)iai.it) by 15 October 2021.

The award ceremony

Five winning essays will be selected by a IAI-University of Turin Advisory Board and announced on 28 October 2021.

Prizes for the winning essays will be awarded during a ceremony held in early December 2021.

Winning essays will be published in standalone format within the IAI Commentaries series on the IAI website and subsequently published collectively in an appropriate e-book disseminated during the prize ceremony.

A monetary remuneration (gross sum) will be provided for the top five essays selected by the IAI-University of Turin advisory board (see attached call for more details).