Italy and the Middle East: Geopolitics, Dialogue and Power during the Cold War

During the Cold War, Italy played a significant role in the Middle East by balancing dialogue, stability, and cooperation with global superpower maneuvers to exploit existing tensions and gain local influence. Italy and the Middle East: A Cold War Relationship is a collection of expert essays that explores Italy's complex Cold War relationship with the Middle East, covering key events such as the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Lebanese Civil War, the Iranian Revolution, and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 24 December 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Italy played a crucial role in the intricate dynamics of the Cold War that significantly shaped the Middle East during the latter half of the 20th century. While it served as a junior partner in NATO's strategic endeavors, Italy's foreign policy towards the Middle East exhibited a nuanced balance between promoting dialogue, stability, and cooperation on the one hand, and engaging in collusion with global superpowers to exploit existing tensions and gain local influence on the other. This multifaceted approach reflected Italy's strategic interests in the region, as it sought to navigate the complex web of regional alliances and power struggles.

The book Italy and the Middle East: A Cold War Relationship, edited by a team of experts on Italian international relations, offers a comprehensive analysis of Italy's Cold War relationship with the Middle East. Spanning a wide range of defining events of the 20th century, including the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Lebanese Civil War, the Iranian Revolution, and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the chapters in this collection provide a deep insight into the nuances of Italian foreign policy. By examining these events, the book demonstrates how local and global factors intertwined to shape Italy's international relations with the Middle East, making it an essential resource for students of the Cold War, regional interactions, and the international relations of Italy and the Middle East.

One of the key themes that emerge from the book is Italy's attempts to balance its regional interests with its broader geopolitical objectives. Italy recognized the importance of the Middle East as a vital region for its energy supplies and strategic positioning, and thus sought to establish close ties with Arab countries. However, Italy also recognized the risks associated with aligning itself too closely with the United States or the Soviet Union, as it sought to maintain its independence and avoid becoming a pawn in their larger conflicts. This balancing act was evident in Italy's support for the Arab-Israeli peace process, which aimed to establish a peaceful resolution to the conflict, while also maintaining its diplomatic relations with Israel.

Italy's foreign policy towards the Middle East was also influenced by its historical ties with the region. Italy had a long history of colonialism in the Middle East, particularly in Libya and Egypt, and these colonial legacies continued to shape its foreign policy towards the region. Italy's support for the independence of Arab countries and its opposition to Western imperialism were rooted in its desire to assert its influence and reclaim its former colonial territories. However, this support for independence also led to tensions with Western powers.

Another important aspect of Italy's foreign policy towards the Middle East was its role in the global struggle for influence. Italy sought to establish itself as a major player in the international system and to promote its own interests in the region. This was evident in its support for the Non-Aligned Movement, which aimed to create a new international order based on equality and cooperation among nations. Italy also played a role in the Cold War arms race, particularly in the development of its nuclear weapons program.

Despite its efforts to balance its regional and global interests, Italy's foreign policy towards the Middle East was not without its challenges. Italy faced a number of obstacles in its attempts to establish itself as a significant player in the region, including the power struggles between Arab countries, the influence of the United States and the Soviet Union, and the regional conflicts that erupted throughout the 20th century. Italy's support for the independence of Arab countries, for example, was often met with resistance from Western powers, who saw it as a threat to their own interests in the region.

In conclusion, Italy played a vital role in the Cold War dynamics that shaped the Middle East in the latter part of the 20th century. Its multifaceted foreign policy towards the region reflected its strategic interests in the region, as it sought to balance its regional interests with its broader geopolitical objectives. Italy's support for the Arab-Israeli peace process, its opposition to Western imperialism, its role in the global struggle for influence, and its challenges in establishing itself as a significant player in the region all contributed to the complex and multifaceted nature of Italy's Cold War relationship with the Middle East. This book provides a valuable insight into the nuances of Italian foreign policy and its impact on the region, making it essential reading for students of the Cold War, regional interactions, and the international relations of Italy and the Middle East.

Weight: 658g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838606930