Some essay topics to consider

1)                How are relations between NATO members evolving?

2)                Is a fully autonomous European defence system both feasible and desirable? What would it require to be effective?

3)                How does Italy’s sistema paese work, particulary in terms of supporting Italian companies and the Italian economy? What are its main objectives? Is it working?

4)                What is Italy’s position on the war in Ukraine?

5)                What is Italy’s position on Israel’s offensive in Gaza and conflict with Iran?

6)                What are the main challenges to be overcome to achieve a lasting peace in the Middle East?

7)                How are Italy and its allies responding to the threat posed by the Houthi? Include both military overview and diplomatic considerations.

8)                What is Italy’s strategy in the wider Mediterranean?

9)                How should Italy, the EU and the wider international community respond to China’s growing assertiveness?

10)           Several UN reports in 2025 highlight that the world is not acting fast enough to address climate change, with progress being too slow and uneven on various fronts. Outline the current situation and challenges.

11)           Nuclear proliferation – are we on the verge of losing control?

12)           How can youth be gven a greater role in the decision-making process regarding international relations?

13)           Is Europe losing the race to remain competitive, particularly in high-tech sectors like ICTs and AI?

14)           Is democracy on the retreat globally?

15)           Can the EU impose effective sanctions on Hungary for democratic back-sliding or limit its ability to block proposed EU actions?

16)           How should the EU and its member states respond to international violations of women's rights and gender equality, and the rise in gender-based violence and femicide?

17)           Explain the tensions between the EU and the US regarding trade and tariffs and Italy’s position?

18)            What are some of the roots of populism?

19)           What are the lessons of the Assange and Wikileaks case?

20)           What are the main elements of the new UK-EU deal?

21)           The EU and Ukraine have launched a special tribunal to prosecute Putin’s war crimes. Comment on this iniziative.

22)           How is Pope Leo XIV’s role in international relations evolving and what challenges does he face?

23)           What is the background to the French-Polish Nancy Treaty?

24)           What are the prospects for US-Chinese trade and cooperation?

25)           What is the legacy of Pope Francis?

26)           The Arctic – opportunities and challenges.

27)           How are international rivals and allies responding to the Trump administration?

28)           Outline Italy’s presence in space and the opportunities and challenges that the international community faces in space..

29)           Can a general conflict in the Middle East be avoided?

30)           How does Italy use sports and scientific diplomacy?

31)           In terms of cultural diplomacy, give some examples of current initiatives (June-July 2025) being undertaken by Italian embassies, consulates and cultural institutes around the world.

32)            Outline Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan. How successful has it been so far?

33)           What makes a good diplomat?

34)           With ICTs and AI how is the work of the diplomat changing?

35)           Thomas Jefferson frequently said that “a well-informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.” What did he mean and what are the challenges in trying to achieve this in today’s technological world?