Andrea Canepari publishes on Italian heritage and public diplomacy

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA—Professor Andrea Canepari published a new scholarly article on cultural heritage, public diplomacy, and international engagement in the March 2026 issue of Rendiconti dell'Istituto Lombardo Accademia di Scienze e Lettere. The publication stems from a conference presentation delivered at the historic headquarters of the Academy in Milan and examines how cultural heritage abroad can strengthen enduring connections between countries and communities.

In the article, “Lasciti italiani nel mondo: l'eredità italiana a Filadelfia e la valorizzazione della collettività italiana all'estero” ("Italian Legacies in the World: Italian Heritage in Philadelphia and the Enhancement of Italian Communities Abroad"), Canepari explores the Italian legacy in Philadelphia as a contemporary form of cultural diplomacy and soft power. The study analyzes the concept of Italicità in an inclusive and transnational framework, demonstrating how cultural heritage can generate academic, economic, and institutional opportunities while strengthening international networks and relational capital.

The work reflects Canepari's teaching and scholarship in international affairs and law by highlighting how sustained cultural connections contribute to international cooperation, mutual understanding, and long-term relationships between Italy and the United States.

Founded in 1797 under Napoleon Bonaparte, the Istituto Lombardo Accademia di Scienze e Lettere is one of Italy's oldest and most prestigious learned academies. Its role in Italian intellectual life is often compared to that of major national academies and learned societies in Europe, including institutions such as the Royal Society in the United Kingdom. The Rendiconti are the Academy's official proceedings and publish selected scholarly contributions presented at its conferences and academic sessions.

Canepari's article was presented during a conference held at the Academy's historic Palazzo di Brera in Milan and subsequently included in the official proceedings. The publication contributes to ongoing discussions on cultural diplomacy, diaspora engagement, and transatlantic relations, while underscoring the importance of heritage as a strategic resource for international dialogue and cooperation.