The third event of the fourteenth edition of Roses, Books, Music, Wine will take place on Friday 23rd May in the rose garden of San Giovanni Park in Trieste. The festival is promoted by the social cooperative Agricola Monte San Pantaleone and the University of Trieste and this year explores the theme of power. A word – power – that evokes ‘might’, and the ultimate global power: the United States of America. Especially in times like these, following the beginning of Donald Trump’s second term in office, when might once again risks aligning with arrogance.

What is happening in the United States after Trump’s return to the White House? Is the double shift – authoritarian at home and neo–imperial abroad – irreversible? Or does the US still possess the political and institutional antibodies to withstand the assault that Trump is launching against their democracy?

These are the questions Professor Mario Del Pero will address at 18:00, in conversation with Professor Elisabetta Vezzosi, lecturer in the History of the United States at the University of Trieste. The discussion will be introduced and moderated by journalist Francesco De Filippo. Mario Del Pero is Professor of International History and US Foreign Policy at Sciences Po in Paris. A columnist for ‘Il Domani’ and ‘Il Giornale di Brescia’, his writing has also appeared in the ‘Washington Post’, ‘The Guardian’, ‘Le Monde’, ‘Le Figaro’, and ‘The Hill’. In autumn 2025, two of his new books will be released: ‘Buio americano. Gli Stati Uniti di Donald Trump’ (Il Mulino) and ‘In the Shadow of the Vatican. Texan Evangelical Missionaries in Cold War Italy’ (Cambridge University Press). The discussion on 23rd May will focus on his earlier work, ‘Libertà e impero. Gli Stati Uniti e il mondo’ 1776–2016 (Laterza), a history of American liberty and the empire constructed to protect it.

The day’s programme will open at 15:30 with an ornithological walk led by naturalist Matteo Giraldi. At 17:15, Valentino Riva, postdoctoral researcher in Commodity Science at the University of Trieste, and journalist and author Simonetta Lorigliola will explore the theme ‘Roses Among the Vines: What Has Changed’. Once chosen by winemakers for their role as ‘sentinel plants’ — early indicators of vine diseases — roses no longer serve a forecasting function in vineyards but remain, for more sensitive growers, a symbol of historical agricultural memory and a visual element of beauty.

Following the book discussion, it will be time for wine: this week’s guest is winemaker Rok Ota from San Dorligo della Valle/Dolina. In conversation with Simonetta Lorigliola, he will speak about Breg, the ancient wine–growing coast of Trieste.

This week, there will be special attention for the youngest (from 0 to 6 years old), for whom Minimu and Nati per Leggere offer a session from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM featuring books and flowers as the main focus. It is recommended to reserve a spot by calling +39 349 3256747.

At 19:30, singer-songwriter Matteo E. Basta will take the stage. With folk roots and a style marked by musical fusion, he has made cross–genre experimentation his trademark.

In case of bad weather, all events will be held in the Conference Room of the University of Trieste, Via Weiss 21 (Building W, ground floor, entrance at the rear of the Antarctic Museum).

The bookstall, curated by the independent bookshop Minerva, will offer not only the featured books but also ‘The Reflected Island‘ by Fabrizia Ramondino, which will be the focus of the Book Club on Friday 30th May.

During festival days, lunch and dinner will be available at the ‘Il Posto delle Fragole’ bar and restaurant, which will also offer takeaway options from the menu. Booking is recommended: +39 040 578777.