L’Italia all’ONU nel primo mandato in Consiglio di Sicurezza (1° gennaio 1959 – 31 dicembre 1960)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has released the volume:

L’Italia all’ONU nel primo mandato in Consiglio di Sicurezza (1° gennaio 1959 – 31 dicembre 1960), edited by E. Calandri and M.E. Guasconi, Roma, Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato, 2024 (Documenti sulla Politica Internazionale dell’Italia, Serie G, Organizzazioni internazionali e questioni globali).

This publication presents a large selection of diplomatic documents from the Historical Diplomatic Archives of the Farnesina—most of them previously unpublished—covering the period from January 1, 1959, to December 31, 1960. These documents illuminate Italy’s first prestigious term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, following its accession to the UN in 1955.

The biennium in question marks a pivotal historical moment, defined by the collapse of the colonial system in sub-Saharan Africa and the growing alignment between newly independent states and the communist bloc in their opposition to Western dominance. These geopolitical shifts profoundly reshaped the internal dynamics of the United Nations, expanding both its agenda and operational scope.

Furthermore, the selected documents highlight the active and mediating role played by Italian diplomacy during this particularly delicate phase, driven by a commitment to promoting international stability and security.

The Section IV – Publication of diplomatic documents of the Policy Planning, Statistical and Historical Documentation Unit (Directorate General for Public and Cultural Diplomacy) conducts historical research and publishing activities. This volume has been edited by the State Archivists of the Section under the scientific direction of Professors Elena Calandri and Maria Elena Guasconi.

The ebook is available at: Politica estera e Storia. Documenti e immagini della Diplomazia Italiana

Copies of the volume are available for purchase from Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato S.p.A. online at: L’ITALIA ALL’ONU NEL PRIMO MANDATO IN CONSIGLIO DI SICUREZZA (1959-1960) – Shop IPZS S.p.A., or by calling 039 06 8549866 or writing to editoria@ipzs.it