Sainandan Sridhar Iyer
Rome became my classroom this month, as I presented my research on Global South diplomacy, discourse and governance at an international seminar. Organised by Universita degli Studi Guglielmo Marconi, the event gave me a chance to share ideas and engage with scholars from around the world, while experiencing the
city’s history and culture firsthand.
Learning beyond borders
My paper, titled ‘From Antagonism to Agonism: Global South Discourse and the Politics of the G20’, explored how developing nations use language and diplomacy to challenge established global hierarchies. The work builds on theories of political contestation and democratic pluralism; areas that have become increasingly relevant in today’s polarised world.
At Marconi University, I had the chance to engage with scholars from Europe, Asia and Africa, exchanging ideas on sustainability, technology and governance. Academic dialogue has its own rhythm and it reminded me that ideas can be bridges. My presentation sparked interest for its focus on how rhetoric and diplomacy intertwine in multilateral forums like the G20 and BRICS and many participants were eager to learn how Global South nations reinterpret traditional notions of power and participation.
A classroom without walls
Rome showed me that learning extends beyond the conference hall. After my sessions, I explored the city with a guidebook and camera, visiting landmarks like the Colosseum, Vittoriano, Trajan’s Column, Castel Sant’Angelo, and the Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola. The ruins, monuments and piazzas tell stories of ambition, collapse and renewal, themes closely connected to my studies in political science and international relations. Standing among the remnants of an ancient empire offered a fresh perspective on how power and ideas evolve. The city felt like a living museum, especially during Rome’s Jubilee Year, buzzing with reflection and celebration.
Academic travel is also about tasting new flavours and experiencing life. Between sessions, I savoured Rome’s culinary staples: pizza, pasta, and the fried delicacy supplì. My favourite was a scoop of pistachio gelato after long days of discussions. Even with my limited Italian, I found people warm, patient and curious about India. Some of my most memorable conversations happened in small cafes and family-run shops, where the staff was always eager to chat.
(The writer is an assistant professor in Political Science at DCT’s Dhempe College of Arts & Science, Miramar-Panaji and a PhD scholar in
International Relations at
BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus.)
