Study-unit HISTORY OF MILITARY INSTITUTIONS AND SECURITY SYSTEMS
| Course name | International relations |
|---|---|
| Study-unit Code | A001426 |
| Curriculum | Conflitti internazionali, studi strategici e analisi di politica estera |
| Lecturer | Francesco Randazzo |
| Lecturers |
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| Hours |
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| CFU | 6 |
| Course Regulation | Coorte 2024 |
| Supplied | 2024/25 |
| Supplied other course regulation | |
| Learning activities | Affine/integrativa |
| Area | Attività formative affini o integrative |
| Sector | SPS/06 |
| Type of study-unit | Opzionale (Optional) |
| Type of learning activities | Attività formativa monodisciplinare |
| Language of instruction | italian language |
| Contents | In contemporary times, military institutions have evolved significantly, reflecting technological, political, and social changes. During the Industrial Revolution, the introduction of repeating firearms, advanced artillery, and mechanized transportation transformed warfare. Mass conscription, introduced during the French Revolution and perfected by Napoleon, became a cornerstone of modern armed forces. In the 20th century, the two World Wars further developed military institutions, with the emergence of air forces, modern navies, and the birth of mechanized warfare. The Cold War saw the creation of global military alliances such as NATO and the Warsaw Pact, and the introduction of nuclear weapons drastically changed defensive strategies. Today, military institutions are characterized by a high degree of professionalism, advanced use of technology, and an increasing focus on cybersecurity and information warfare. |
| Reference texts | Ezio Cecchini, Le Istituzioni militari. Volume scaricabile online al link https://issuu.com/rivista.militare1/docs/le-istituzioni-militari-testo |
| Educational objectives | The educational objectives of a course on military institutions are manifold and cover various historical, strategic, organizational, and socio-political aspects. Such a course aims to provide a deep understanding of the evolution of military institutions through the ages, from antiquity to modern times. It studies the main theories and strategic and tactical practices used by armed forces, focusing on innovations and changes over time. The analysis of the organizational structure of the armed forces and the role of different units and ranks is another central point. The course also examines the impact of technological innovations on the development of military capabilities and combat doctrines. A crucial aspect is the role of military institutions in societies, exploring their influence on domestic and foreign policies and power dynamics. Ethical and legal issues related to military operations, including international humanitarian law and conventions of war, are also discussed in detail. Furthermore, specific leadership and management skills for the military context are developed, focusing on aspects such as decision-making under stress and the management of human and material resources. The course helps understand current national and international security threats and the defense strategies adopted by modern nations. A comparative analysis of military institutions of different nations allows for identifying similarities, differences, and best practices. Finally, the impact of military operations and armed institutions on civil society is examined, including support to communities during emergencies and peacekeeping operations. These educational objectives help create a comprehensive and in-depth view of military institutions and prepare students to better understand the role of the armed forces in the contemporary world. |
| Prerequisites | It is essential, but not compulsory, that students have taken courses such as Contemporary History and History of International Relations in their Bachelor's degree, as they are preparatory to the simplified learning of the concepts that will be referred to during the course. |
| Teaching methods | Lectures, thematic seminars, film and documentary screenings, participation in events, visits to archives. |
| Other information | Throughout the course, the instructor will suggest reading pathways for those who wish to delve deeper. The instructor is available before and after class hours. To request the thesis, you must pass the exam and obtain a grade of at least 30. Attendance at the course is optional, though recommended and encouraged. |
| Learning verification modality | The examination includes an oral test consisting of a discussion lasting approximately 30-40 minutes and aimed at ascertaining the student's level of knowledge and comprehension of the theoretical and methodological contents indicated in the syllabus. The oral test will have to verify the student's communication skills, language property and autonomous organisation of the exposition on the same theoretical topics and notions learnt. The following will be strongly appreciated: the ability to synthesise, clear and coherent exposition as well as the ability to be able to link the topics with leading threads and logical-deductive reasoning |
| Extended program | The transformations of military institutions from ancient to modern times; the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era; from the Restoration to the World Wars; the World Wars; the Nuclear Age; the military in the history of peoples; the military in political history; civil power and military power |
| Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile | 4 (Quality Education), 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) |