Italy and the 'Shock of the Global' during the 1970s

Abstract

This open access book explores how Italy experienced the crucial period of transition that has come to be known as the ‘Shock of the Global’ during the 1970s. This decade marked a change between the prevailing socio-political and economic structures of the post-war world – the ‘golden age’ of national and Fordist capitalism – and a new horizon which would become much more integrated at a global and transnational level. Drawing from a diverse range of sources, the collection focuses on the perceptions of the crisis and the novelties of the globalization process, as well as the complex process of adjustment that occurred as a result, revealing how events during the 1970s impacted Italy’s collective mentality, its social groups, political parties and culture. Comprising 23 brief chapters, each examining a symbolic event of the decade, this book acts as a starting point for studying the Italian perception of international change. An insightful read for anyone researching modern Italian history, globalization or transnational history, this book demonstrates how Italian culture, society and politics reacted to international stimuli from abroad during the 1970s.