New Books Network Lorenzo Castellani, "Alberto Beneduce, Mussolini's Technocrat: Power, Knowledge, and Institutions in Fascist Italy" (Routledge, 2025)
Oct 18, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Lorenzo Castellani, a researcher at LUISS Guido Carli and the author of a pioneering book on Alberto Beneduce, delves into the complex choices faced by technocrats during authoritarian regimes. He explores Beneduce's remarkable journey from socialist critic to key player in Mussolini's regime, ultimately shaping Italy's economic landscape. The conversation highlights the delicate balance between political power and institutional integrity, questioning whether collaboration under tyranny could yield more significant benefits than resistance.
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Technocrat As Political Architect
- Alberto Beneduce combined technical skill and political agency to shape Italy's state-led economic development.
- He acted as both a policymaker and institution-builder, not just a behind-the-scenes technician.
Italy As Forerunner In State Intervention
- Italy became a forerunner in public intervention because late development required state-led modernization.
- Beneduce was central to building credible institutions that attracted technical talent for development.
From Public Critic To Collaborator
- Beneduce publicly denounced fascist violence in 1922 and urged police repression of the Blackshirts.
- Within years he chose to cooperate with Mussolini to preserve institutions and influence policy.
