Link: http://www.mediterranearicerchestoriche.it/

Abstract:

The aim of the project is to study regulations and control methods in exchange and transit across the Mediterranean area's maritime borders in a long term historical and inter-disciplinary perspective with the intention of putting a still relevant theme in its historical perspective. An innovative approach combining knowledge of the past with the modern context will allow the sterile paradigms on 'clash of civilisations' and dualisms such as 'individual versus community' which have dominated the political and economic debate over recent decades to be decisively and effectively overcome. The chronological time frame of the research stretches from the 16th century to our own times. The principal objectives of the project are threefold. The first involves analysing and representing the ways in which borders were constructed in accordance with economic, political, military, social and cultural movements including by means of innovative tools and methods. The second is to understand the relationship between negative economic and political periods, opening/closing of the borders and inclusion or exclusion of those external to it. The third relates to analysing the ways by which the political authorities regulated both emergency and normal situations. These objectives will be achieved by means of three research currents. The first relates to studying border permeability, the criteria for crossing these legally and the institutions responsible for monitoring the transit of men and goods. The second looks at the issue of the impact of borders on the political, economic and social dimensions of the various lands, the progressive transformation of national border areas into international frontiers and the creation of new cross-border identities. The third will analyse policy making practices in the various authorities from the starting point of communications with the political and judicial authorities. All objectives will be pursued in partnership between the four research units which, as well as Padua University, will involve the University of Genoa, the Naples ISSM-CNR Institute and Palermo University (the project's co-ordinator). The project’s long term perspective - from the Early Modern era to our own times - will bring out not only changing interactions between the powerful and the institutions but also elements of continuity potential stimulating the re-thinking or refining of current policies on both the national and European Community levels. In the final assessment phase it will also be possible to evaluate the value of 'border' controls in order to gain an understanding of the political-jurisdictional logic at work, the degree of efficiency in the system and the level of perceived security. Thanks to the research carried out by the Maritime Frontiers in the Mediterranean project, 'borders' will no longer be seen, conceived of and considered simply as barriers but also as opportunities and potential. The project has its own site.

National Scientific Coordinator:

Valentina Favarò (Università degli Studi di Palermo)

Head of Padova Research Unit:

Andrea Caracausi

Research Units:

Andrea Caracausi (Università degli Studi di Padova)
Egidio Ivetic (Università degli Studi di Padova)
Walter Panciera (Università degli Studi di Padova)
Francesco Vianello (Università degli Studi di Padova)
Daniele Andreozzi (Università degli Studi di Trieste)
Dario Dell'Osa (Università Aldo Moro di Bari)
Corine Maitte (Université de Paris-Est-Marne-la-Vallée)
Olivier Raveaux (CNRS -Université Aix-en Provence)
Renato Sansa (Università della Calabria)
Laboratory "Analyse Comparée des Pouvoirs" (ACP, EA 3350) della Université de Paris-Est-Marne-la-Vallée

Members of the Padova Research Unit:

Andrea Caracausi (Responsabile)
Egidio Ivetic
Walter Panciera
Francesco Vianello