The new edition of “Storia in città” kicks off on October 15; it is a series of ten high-level historical outreach events jointly organized by the Universities of Trieste and Udine.

This edition, based on a format launched in 2013, will place the theme “Leaders, Democracies, and Power in the Post-War Era” at the heart of the debate. It offers a reflection on the role of personality in history and the complex relationship between authoritative leaders and contemporary society. The program comprises ten events (five in Trieste and five in Udine) that will examine the political trajectories and impact of major leaders and dictators who shaped the twentieth century—specifically: Alcide De Gasperi, Indira Gandhi, Fidel Castro, Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, Deng Xiaoping, Mikhail Gorbachev, John Paul II, Golda Meir, and Charles de Gaulle.

Some of Italy's most prominent historians will discuss the subject, including: Adriano Roccucci, Antonella Salomoni, Loris Zanatta, Marcello Flores e Gaetano Quagliariello.

"The project", explain Donata Vianelli, Rector of the University of Trieste, and Angelo Montanari, Rector of the University of Udine, "was conceived to build a solid bridge between academic research excellence and the general public, offering rigorous yet accessible insights into key contemporary issues. We are particularly pleased that a structured synergy between the two universities has been established for such an important project: history is a public good, and it is vital for institutions to collaborate in fostering a healthy awareness of both our past and our present".

The Program

The meetings will take place at 6:00 PM. In Trieste, at the University’s Language Centre (Via Filzi 14); in Udine, at the Fondazione Friuli (Via Gemona 1). 

For information: www.storiaincitta.it

The series begins on October 15 in Trieste with “Indira Gandhi”, featuring Emanuela Mangiarotti (University of Pavia). 

On October 22 in Udine: “Margaret Thatcher,” with Domenico Bruni (University of Siena). On October 29 in Trieste: “Ronald Reagan,” with Elisabetta Vezzosi (University of Trieste). On November 5 in Udine: “Fidel Castro,” with Loris Zanatta (University of Bologna). On November 12 in Trieste: “Deng Xiaoping,” with Guido Samarani (Ca' Foscari University of Venice). On November 19 in Udine: “Mikhail Gorbachev,” with Antonella Salomoni (University of Bologna). On November 26 in Trieste: “John Paul II,” with Adriano Roccucci (Roma Tre University). On December 3 in Udine: “Alcide De Gasperi,” with Vera Capperucci (Luiss Guido Carli). On December 10 in Trieste: “Golda Meir,” with Marcello Flores (University of Siena). On December 17 in Udine: “Charles de Gaulle,” with Gaetano Quagliariello (Luiss Guido Carli).

The series of meetings is under the scientific direction of Patrick Karlsen (University of Trieste) and Tommaso Piffer (University of Udine). The event is organized with the support of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region. Collaborators include the Regional Institute for the History of the Resistance and the Contemporary Age in Friuli Venezia Giulia (Irsrec FVG) and the History Circle of the Friuli Storia association in Udine.

The initiative operates through a shared calendar and builds upon a pilot project conducted in Trieste by the Regional Institute for the History of the Resistance and the Contemporary Age in Friuli Venezia Giulia and the Department of Political and Social Sciences (DISPES) of the University of Trieste. Since 2013, "Storia in città" has established itself as a high-quality public history series, successfully attracting a broad audience and media attention. Past editions demonstrate the format's ability to address pressing contemporary issues: international crises (2023), resistance movements and liberations (2024), and disinformation and fake news (2025).