IAI University of Turin Essay Prize 2022

The deadline for submission of essays has been extended to 30 September 2022.
The competition has been opened also to the contribution of recent graduates (1 year max.) from the University of Turin.

The Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2° edition of the IAI-University of Turin Essay Prize, an 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 and recent graduates (1 year max.) from the University of Turin who are 32 years of age or younger. 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.

Against the backdrop of renewed conflict in Europe and ongoing turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the rise of China and the challenges related to pandemics, the climate emergency and energy transitions, Italy faces a number of uncertainties with regards to its foreign policy. Moreover, foreign policy tends to receive scant attention in contemporary national debates and media analyses, resulting in a general lack of attention and appreciation for Italy’s role, capabilities and interests abroad.

How to participate

Interested applicants should send a novel, unpublished essay written in UK English of no longer than 1800 words (including footnotes*).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 recent graduation/enrolment at the University of Turin to Dr. Elisabetta Farroni (iai-unito-prize(at)iai.it) by 30 September 2022.

*For editorial guidelines, see “How to quote” paragraph (p.2)

The award ceremony

Five winning essays will be selected by a IAI-University of Turin Advisory Board and announced on 15 October 2022.

Prizes for the winning essays will be awarded during a ceremony held in November/December 2022.

Winning essays will be published in standalone format within the IAI Commentaries series on the IAI website.

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).