Breve storia dell’AISNA e dei suoi rapporti istituzionali (1973-1991)

This essay reconstructs the early history of the Italian Association for North American Studies (AISNA) from its foundation in 1973 to the end of the Cold War, emphasizing its institutional development and academic mission. It highlights the crucial role played by the Centro di Studi Americani (formerly CISA) in fostering the association’s creation and supporting its activities. The study examines AISNA’s interdisciplinary identity, which brought together scholars of literature, history, law, political science, and the social sciences. It also analyzes the association’s efforts to gain academic recognition for American Studies within the Italian university system and public education. Particular attention is devoted to AISNA’s collaboration with the European Association for American Studies (EAAS), the U.S. Embassy, USIS/USICA, and other international organizations that promoted research and scholarly exchanges. The essay places these developments within the broader context of the political and cultural transformations of the 1970s and 1980s, including the Cold War, the oil crisis, and changing perceptions of the United States. It explores the association’s internal debates over interdisciplinarity, governance, and representation across different academic fields. The article also traces the establishment of key initiatives, such as biennial conferences, the RSA Journal, and national bibliographic projects, which strengthened the institutional foundations of American Studies in Italy. Finally, it argues that the end of the Cold War required AISNA and its partner institutions to redefine their missions and funding strategies. Despite these challenges, AISNA successfully consolidated its position through renewed collaboration with the Centro di Studi Americani and by promoting new initiatives for younger scholars, ensuring the long-term vitality of American Studies in Italy.