The Filangieri-Franklin Correspondence: an enlightening dialogue between Italy and the USA

This presentation explores the historical impact of the correspondence between Gaetano Filangieri, an Italian Enlightenment thinker, and Benjamin Franklin, a founding father of the United States, highlighting its relevance to the process of European integration. The exchange between Filangieri and Franklin is analyzed for its role in fostering intellectual and cultural connections between Europe and America, laying foundational principles for governance and justice that echo in the concept of European unity. The dialogue contributed significantly to shaping the political identities of Italy and the United States, with its shared values of liberty and rational governance. The presentation underscores the enduring significance of their correspondence, suggesting that the ideas exchanged between these two figures continue to influence contemporary discussions on European integration, providing valuable historical insights for understanding the values underlying transatlantic cooperation and European integration.