| The dissertation deals in a comprehensive way with the German minority in northern Italy, revealing the complexity of the problems and of the questions involved. Using the empirical method, I discuss the main elements and the ramifications of the origin, the development and the steps taken to find, or at least approach, a solution to the controversies. Particular emphasis is given to the bilingual situation in South Tyrol. The roles of history, international treaties, diplomacy, power politics, and other influences are explored, to define their influence in the creation of a minority situation.; Further, my research explores the development of the relationship between the majority and the minority in light of contemporary events. Therefore, the paper deals not only with the controversial interests which concern the ethnic groups involved, but also with the whole legal structure, as well as other means which these groups have at their disposal to achieve their purposes and which they may use or try to use. Ethnic, multicultural, linguistic, economic, international, and political means of influence are examined in great detail.; Furthermore, the dissertation treats comprehensively the national and international efforts used in the attempt to resolve the minority conflict in northern Italy. Emphasis is given to the formal/functional aspects on the one hand, and to the material/substantial contents of these means of influence on the other. The scope of autonomy of the South Tyrolean people in the field of public and cultural life both within the Province and within the Italian State (an autonomy which followed decades of negotiations and sometimes violent confrontation) is shown as the focus of the package deal: the legal agreement together with the regulations designed to carry it out. The thesis also appraises the development to be expected in the future with regard to ethnic individuality versus assimilation. The examination of international guarantees of the treaty and Italy's commitment to abide by the transactions are given special attention. |
