The University for Foreigners of Siena cancels internships with the Navy: a missed opportunity in the name of prejudice

La recente decisione dell’University for Foreigners of Siena to annul traineeships with the Italian Navy raised a heated debate in the political and academic world. The Academic Senate, led by the Rector Tomaso Montanari, già noto per il caso foibe, ha motivato la scelta con il mutato contesto politico e con una presunta “retorica militarista” in crescita nel Paese. Tuttavia, questa decisione appare come un grave errore che priva i giovani di un’importante opportunità formativa e penalizza una delle eccellenze italiane più riconosciute a livello internazionale.

The Rector Tomaso Montanari justified the decision as an act of responsibility in the international context, denouncing theGrowing influence of the military in universities. He highlighted the paradox of an Italy that reduces funds for education of more than half a billion, while military spending increases of three billion, reaching 35 billion. According to Montanari, ten billion would be allocated to 'war education' programmes, reinforcing its opposition to academic collaboration with the Armed Forces.

The precedent: when Montanari attacked the Day of Remembrance

The Rector Tomaso Montanari is no stranger to criticism and challenge. On the eve of Remembrance Daydedicated to the memory of the victims of the foibe and theJulian-Dalmatian exodusthe rector had organised a conference entitled: "Political use of memory and fascist revanchism: the genesis of the Day of Remembrance".. A choice that has reignited controversy over his role and his vision of the Italian history.

In his speech, Montanari defined the Day of Remembrance "a historical falsification desired by the Right", claiming that the celebration has become an instrument of 'fascist revanchism'. According to the Rector, it is not a question of denying the tragedies of the foibebut to denounce thepolitical and instrumental use of historical memory.

His statements provoked a reaction from associations such as theNational Association of Venezia Giulia and Dalmatiaremember how the drama of the 350,000 people forced to exodus has long been ignored by the Italian national consciousness.

L’Università e il Mondo Militare: Un’Opportunità, non un Pericolo

La Italian Navy è un’istituzione di primaria importanza per la difesa nazionale e la sicurezza internazionale. Oltre alle sue missioni operative, svolge un ruolo fondamentale nella formazione, nella ricerca e nella cooperazione internazionale. Il progetto Open Sea, a cui partecipavano gli studenti dell’Università per Stranieri di Siena, rappresentava un’esperienza unica per apprendere sul campo valori come discipline, teamwork, leadership and responsibility.

Cancelling this collaboration means not only interrupting a channel of growth for young people, but also depriving them of a concrete prospect of entering a highly qualified professional world.

The idea that the military is an invasive or dangerous entity for academia is an ideological and anachronistic view. In many nations, the Armed Forces collaborate closely with universities to foster technological innovation, advanced training and the honing of professional skills. The students involved in the Mare Aperto project would have had the opportunity to have an educational experience in a high-level context, acquiring practical and theoretical skills useful for their future.

An ideological choice that penalises the future

Depriving students of this opportunity sends a negative message: it feeds the idea that the military world is incompatible with academic culture and training. In reality, the Armed Forces are often a place of growth for young people, offering discipline, culture and skills that can be applied in different professional fields. Moreover, the Navy is not only synonymous with defence, but also with humanitarian operations, sea rescue and environmental protection, all activities of high ethical and social value.

The University for Foreigners of Siena preferred to focus on collaborations with organisations such as Emergency and Doctors Without Bordersexcluding any relationship with the military. Although humanitarian volunteering is undoubtedly a meritorious choice, it does not conflict with the training opportunity offered by the Navy.

The two realities can coexist, enriching the educational offer and giving young people the opportunity to freely choose the path that best suits their aspirations.

Conclusion

The decision by the University for Foreigners of Siena to discontinue internships with the Navy appears to be a mistake that deprives students of an important growth experience. Le Italian Armed Forces represent internationally recognised excellence and a high-level educational opportunity. Instead of closing the doors to these collaborations, universities should foster dialogue and cooperation, offering young people a wider range of choices for their future.

Education should not be bent to ideological prejudices, but open to all realities that can enrich the cultural and professional background of Italian students.