Introduction: The history of Banca Italiana di Sconto (BIS), established in Italy at the end of 1914 and extinguished in 1922, represents an in-triguing case in which socio-political forces and personal interests played a crucial role in determining the set up and fall of a financial institution in a very short period over a peculiar historical frame. Aim of the work: The paper aims to give a meaning to the events lead-ing to the establishment, development and unexpected liquidation of BIS. Methodological approach: The study relies on the Gramsci’s “theory of hegemony” with a special focus on the concept of élite. Main findings: The research shows how an initial convergence of interests was a crucial factor in the decision of setting up the BIS and using it as an instrument of war. With the end of the conflict, some actors sought to maintain their dominant position and the sacrifice of the bank was a necessary side effect. Originality: Albeit BIS has already been studied under various historical profiles, the present study offers a new key for understanding the final events of the bank thanks to the adoption of a neo-Gramscian approach.

"Behind enemy lines": A neo-Gramscian approach to the crisis of Banca Italiana di Sconto (1914-1922)

Bartocci, Luca;Mario Mari, Libero;Picciaia, Francesca;Santini, Fabio
2023

Abstract

Introduction: The history of Banca Italiana di Sconto (BIS), established in Italy at the end of 1914 and extinguished in 1922, represents an in-triguing case in which socio-political forces and personal interests played a crucial role in determining the set up and fall of a financial institution in a very short period over a peculiar historical frame. Aim of the work: The paper aims to give a meaning to the events lead-ing to the establishment, development and unexpected liquidation of BIS. Methodological approach: The study relies on the Gramsci’s “theory of hegemony” with a special focus on the concept of élite. Main findings: The research shows how an initial convergence of interests was a crucial factor in the decision of setting up the BIS and using it as an instrument of war. With the end of the conflict, some actors sought to maintain their dominant position and the sacrifice of the bank was a necessary side effect. Originality: Albeit BIS has already been studied under various historical profiles, the present study offers a new key for understanding the final events of the bank thanks to the adoption of a neo-Gramscian approach.
2023
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11391/1559693
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