Gianfranco Stassi
"Amerigo Dumini and the sociocultural roots of Fascism"
Gianfranco's research delves into the pivotal role played by Amerigo Dumini, a significant paramilitary leader and
editor of "Sassaiola Fiorentina"; one of the earliest far-right propaganda papers. Dumini serves as an illuminating case study to unravel the intricate connections between paramilitary violence, media culture, and the ascent of Italian fascism, ultimately leading to the establishment of a dictatorship. The investigation grapples with compelling questions: Why did many veterans eschew a return to normalcy, opting instead for a violent existence upon returning home? What compelled a dedicated soldier like Dumini to assume a prominent position as the chief of Mussolini's secret agents? The leaders of these paramilitary forces not only shaped the developing ideology of the Fascist party but also played pivotal roles in subsequent events. Various political newspapers either directed this extremism or fuelled dissatisfaction with the post-war outcomes. Dumini's "Sassaiola" stands out as one of the earliest ultra-nationalist publications. His trajectory led him to become the chief of the inaugural fascist secret police, organizing punitive expeditions to suppress any parliamentary opposition to fascism. This research aims to bridge gaps in the Italian case study through a meticulous analysis of Dumini's life, drawing on archival records, newspaper articles, and unpublished correspondences among key figures in this narrative. By doing so, it not only enhances our comprehension of the dynamics underpinning the birth and evolution of Fascism in Italy but also sheds light on how modern democracy could metamorphose into the crucible of a potent authoritarian movement capable of profoundly shaping history in just a few years.
E-mail: gianfranco.stassi1@ucdconnect.ie
PhD Supervisor: (opens in a new window)Prof. William Mulligan
Academic Achievements:
2019 – 2021: Professional Master of Education, Maynooth University.
2016 – 2022: MA in History, University College Dublin.
2016 – 2018: MA in History Studies, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”.
2011- 2015: BA in Arts and Humanities, University of L'Aquila.
Research Interests: Political violence in Italy, Italian Futurism, Italian colonialism.
Time Period: 20th Century
Publications:
(2025) Il Fantasma di Machiavelli. In A. Ciampi (Ed.). PercorsiVerso 3. San Casciano: Centro studi storici della Val di Pesa. (Forthcoming)
(2022) L’ultima Thule del Melibeo. ITALIANISTICA, LI, 1.
(2021) Introduzione. In Michail Bakunin, Lettera ai compagni d’Italia. San Casciano: Centro studi storici della Val di Pesa, p. I
(2019) La Libertà e gli Archivi. In F. Chessa, A. Ciampi (Eds.). I luoghi del sapere libertario. San Casciano: Centro studi storici della Val di Pesa, pp. 235-239.
(2018) La letteratura, gli scrittori, gli ambienti. In A. Ciampi, F. Fusi, G. Stassi. Nino Tirinnanzi e il Chianti. San Casciano: Centro studi storici della Val di Pesa, pp.141-154.