Lucrezia Zaina Bequest Lecture 2013 with Beppe Severgnini OBE

Beppe Severgnini is an acclaimed journalist, writer and columnist.

He's a regular op-ed columnist for "Corriere della Sera", Italy's leading newspaper. He has also written for The Sunday Times (1992-1993); The Economist as Italy correspondent (1996-2003); The New York Times Syndicate (2007-2009); and The Financial Times (2010-2012).

In 2001, Beppe Severgnini was made an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) by HM Queen Elizabeth II and in 2011 the President of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano, conferred on him the title of Commendatore.

Since 2008, Beppe has been Honorary President of the Inter Club Kabul (Afghanistan), the only presidency that he holds.

‘The only way forward: putting a new generation in the driving seat’

"Italy is emerging from 20 years of legerdemain. After Silvio Berlusconi, the country's illusionist-in-chief, Italy has to make up its mind where to go - how to make it as Italians, stay out of trouble and get on in the world. A new generation is approaching a series of T-junctions; they have to decide which way to take our country. I may have a few tips for younger Italians.

My previous book, La Bella Figura, was a field guide to the mind of today's Italians. The latest, Italiani di domani, hopes to be a roadmap for the emerging nation. Don't forget - Italians are resourceful, and are at their most ingenious when their backs are to the wall. It's the Italian Paradox: when the going gets tough, the Italians get going."       

Beppe Severgnini OBE

 

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