Political Enemies in Republican Italy

Political factionalism and ideological polarization have been significant in Italian history, leading to the instability, inefficiency, feeble legitimacy, and subservience of public institutions. This book explores the historical question of political delegitimation in post-1945 Italy, focusing on how it occurred in different political parties, exploited different discursive arguments, and was met with counter-arguments.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 112 pages
\n Publication date: 31 March 2021
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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Political factionalism and ideological polarization have played a significant role in Italian history, exerting a profound influence on the weakness and instability of Italian public institutions. These factors must be considered in any attempt to understand the challenges faced by these institutions, including their perceived instability, inefficiency, limited legitimacy, inability to gain the respect of citizens, and susceptibility to sectional interests. Furthermore, the political landscape in Italy since the Risorgimento can be seen as a continuous endeavor spanning 150 years to prevent the escalation of factionalism and polarization, recognizing the potential threat they pose to the country's stability and well-being.

This book delves into the historical examination of political factionalism and ideological polarization in post-1945 Italy, focusing specifically on the phenomenon of delegitimation. In our understanding, delegitimation occurs when one political subject denies another the fundamental right to exist, specifically the right to govern the country, on the grounds that it contradicts one or more of the values upon which the public sphere is built. The essays included in this book trace the trajectory of political delegitimation in post-1945 Italy, exploring how it unfolded within different political parties, employed distinct discursive arguments, served various political projects, and faced counterarguments aimed at either defusing it or even counter-delegitimizing the delegitimizers.

The chapters originally published as a special issue in the Journal of Modern Italian Studies provide a comprehensive analysis of the subject matter, shedding light on the complex dynamics and historical contexts that shaped the evolution of political delegitimation in Italy. By examining the experiences of different political parties, the authors offer valuable insights into the strategies employed by delegitimizers and the responses of their opponents, contributing to a deeper understanding of the dynamics and complexities of Italian politics.

In conclusion, political factionalism and ideological polarization have exerted a profound impact on Italian history, shaping the trajectory of public institutions and influencing the country's political landscape. This book offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of these phenomena by exploring the historical question of political delegitimation in post-1945 Italy. Through a comprehensive analysis of the experiences of different political parties and the strategies employed by delegitimizers and their opponents, it provides insights into the complex dynamics and historical contexts that have shaped Italian politics.

\n Weight: 194g\n
Dimension: 156 x 230 x 14 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780367529932\n \n