Energy: in search of the right mix
The panelists at the presentation of the latest issue of Aspenia emphasized that the search for a better energy mix should start with the premise that there is no magic formula. The most prudent choices – whether political or business – must be forward-looking, that is, not merely focused on short-term needs. It was conceded, however, that no energy mix can fully meet all the criteria for an ideal blend, including: security of supply, market competitiveness, and low environmental impact.
Media 2.0 – Power and Freedom
Debate among the members of the panel at the launch of the latest edition of Aspenia got underway with the observation that the internet has revolutionized the media and society, and has changed and will continue to change the political process.
Obama and Europe: close or distant?
Discussions at this talk-debate, organized in collaboration with ISPI and TG1, focused on assessing the first year of Obama’s presidency, and examining the economic and financial crisis and the mechanisms developed to overcome it, as well as the relationship between the new US administration and Europe.
Federalism and the challenges presented by Italy’s South
Federalism is now at the center of the Italian political debate, despite having been considered a heterodox if not inflammatory idea not even a decade ago. Reassigning roles and responsibilities among the different levels and bodies of government is a necessity shared by all advanced democracies given the increased complexity of our economies and of the relationship between citizens and the state.
America n.1: Obama’s game plan and Europe
The debate, held following the live telecast of the swearing-in and inauguration speech of the new President of the United States, Barack Obama, focused on the critical domestic and international situation that the new administration and President will have to face. Expectations are high and the problems are complex if not dramatic. It was precisely an awareness of the challenges ahead that probably led Obama to frame his first speech as President in rather pragmatic tones, emphasizing the sacrifices Americans will have to make in this “era of responsibility”.
Religion and politics in the global era
The upshot of this debate was that the church has every right to participate in a public debate, but the state must remain secular. Laws cannot respect only certain citizens’ beliefs, but must hold true for everyone. Therefore, a new balance must be struck between religion and politics, especially on those issues that touch people in the XXI century so closely.
The Israel Factor: Jerusalem and the crisis in the Middle East
This meeting, open to the press, offered the chance to analyze how the growth of Islamic fundamentalism risks endangering Israel’s very existence. The Middle East question, which might also be viewed as an Arab-Persian question, puts Israel at the center of all the region’s complex dynamics. This debate presented various points of view on the future of the Jewish state and on the relationship between Israel and Europe. Particular attention was paid to the situation in which Jerusalem and the Holy Sites find themselves as well as the state of affairs between Israel and the Vatican.
An Energy Pact for Italy
Debate touched on issues of strategic relevance, including the supply, cost, and distribution of energy in Italy. The country needs an effective energy policy that can bring together security and efficiency, in a national pact between political and business leaders. Panellists stressed the need to modify Italy’s current energy mix, which favors gas, and to use “clean coal” technology, renewable energy sources, and perhaps even reconsider the nuclear option. Italians also need to save more energy.
Post-Kyoto: what energy mix for Italy?
The Kyoto Protocol, in force since February 16, 2005, creates the need for Italy to review the methods and costs of securing energy supplies. Speaking at the launch of issue no. 27 of Aspenia, authoritative figures from the Italian political and economic spheres refocused attention on a series of proposals aimed at bringing stability to the situation regarding available energy resources and avoiding the difficulties and problems encountered in recent months.
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