The Italian Far Right from 1945 to the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The article provides a comprehensive history of the postwar Italian far right, including its parliamentary and extra-parliamentary violent and terrorist activities. It is up-to-date and includes an analysis of the far right's role in the Ukrainian conflict.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 19 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The far-right movement in Italy has a complex and multifaceted history, spanning several decades and encompassing both parliamentary and extra-parliamentary elements. This movement has been characterized by a range of ideologies, including fascism, nationalism, and xenophobia, and has been associated with a series of violent and terrorist incidents.

The post-World War II period saw the emergence of the far-right movement in Italy, with the rise of political parties such as the National Democratic Party (PND) and the Italian Social Movement (MSI). These parties were often characterized by their anti-communist and anti-immigrant rhetoric, and they gained significant support from sections of the Italian population who were dissatisfied with the post-war political establishment.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the far-right movement in Italy experienced a period of growth and consolidation, with the PND and MSI gaining significant parliamentary representation and forming government in several regions. However, this period was also marked by a series of violent incidents, including terrorist attacks against left-wing political figures and immigrants.

One of the most notable incidents of the far-right movement in Italy was the bombing of the Bologna railway station in 1980, which killed 85 people and injured hundreds more. The bombing was carried out by a group of neo-fascist militants, and it was widely condemned by the Italian government and the international community.

In the 1990s, the far-right movement in Italy began to decline, as the PND and MSI were increasingly marginalized by the mainstream political establishment. However, the movement continued to exist and to exert a significant influence on Italian politics, particularly through the rise of new political parties such as the Northern League and the League of Italian Patriots.

These parties were often characterized by their anti-immigrant and anti-Islam rhetoric, and they gained significant support from sections of the Italian population who were concerned about the country's growing immigrant population and the spread of Islam.

The far-right movement in Italy has also been closely linked to the conflict in Ukraine, with some far-right political figures and groups supporting the separatist movements in eastern Ukraine. This support has been criticized by the international community, including the United States and the European Union, as it undermines efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

In conclusion, the far-right movement in Italy has a complex and multifaceted history, encompassing both parliamentary and extra-parliamentary elements. This movement has been characterized by a range of ideologies, including fascism, nationalism, and xenophobia, and has been associated with a series of violent and terrorist incidents. While the far-right movement has declined in recent years, it continues to exert a significant influence on Italian politics and to be a source of concern for many people in the country.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032566252