Two decades of SGRI: Italy and the evolution of IR scholarship in the twenty-first century

Abstract

This article marks the 20th anniversary of the Italian Standing Group on International Relations (SGRI), reflecting on its pivotal contributions to International Relations (IR) scholarship in Italy. Founded in 2004 under the Italian Political Science Association (SISP), SGRI sought to foster collaboration among scholars, promote research excellence, and enhance the discipline’s international visibility. Over two decades, SGRI has evolved into a vibrant platform for academic exchange, supporting early-career researchers, organizing conferences, and encouraging participation in global projects. The article examines SGRI’s role in addressing historical challenges in Italian IR scholarship, such as fragmentation, limited global engagement, and marginalization within academia. By promot- ing intergenerational mentorship, facilitating high-quality research, and adopting English as its primary language for events, SGRI has successfully bridged gaps between Italian and international academic communities. Its initiatives have bolstered Italy’s presence in global IR discourse, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and enriching scholarly dialogue. Despite these achievements, challenges remain, including structural barriers in Ital- ian academia and the need for greater integration of regional studies and subfields. The article calls for enhanced institutional support, further internationalization, and greater alignment with global standards. SGRI’s journey highlights its critical role in shaping a more interconnected and impactful IR academic network in Italy.