Defining a New Patriotism: culture, economy and society

The Aspen Junior Fellows annual conference focused its debate on redefining a new patriotism in terms of economy, culture and society. Patriotism founds itself on freedom and the search of common good and therefore does not represent a threat to other countries, nor an obstacle to stable and positive relations with Europe and the rest of the world. In the economic field, being patriotic does not necessarily imply protectionism, position which could – in the long run – damage Italian interests; it means applying a “careful liberalism” as professed by Einaudi. It also means knowing how to attract investments towards Italy, as well as reinstating the Rule of Law and reinforcing control mechanisms. Participants also emphasized how improving human resources at all levels represents the only way to deal with future challenges and the only way to prevent our cultural legacy from going to waste. Finally, the need for a historical legacy since early childhood which should be passed on through schools and family was also discussed; this should also contribute to the generation turnover rendering Italy more competitive abroad.