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L'Italia al bivio. Rapporto sulla politica estera italiana, Edizione 2018

Editors:
02/08/2018

Italy is at a crossroads. The country – which has recovered from a prolonged economic crisis but is grappling with persistent structural problems that limit its international projection – faces a series of internal and external challenges that require unavoidable choices and new assumptions of responsibility at the European, transatlantic and global levels. In a context marked by resurgent nationalist forces that tend to call into question some cornerstones of international cooperation, it is essential to reaffirm support for European integration and EU reform projects, in the name of a long-term vision of national interests, as well as to face some crucial issues, such as the repayment of an exorbitant public debt, reduction of energy dependence and military structure reform.
This report examines Italian foreign policy objectives and problems on the basis of a detailed illustration of the positions and initiatives taken by the Gentiloni government. In the large section of the volume dedicated to the role of Italy in Europe, the authors analyse the guidelines of the government's action on the main strategic problems for the future of the EU, such as the projects of differentiated integration, reform of the euro zone and Brexit. Specific chapters are dedicated to three sectors of crucial importance for the country’s international projection – migration, defence and energy – and to its role in a context of global cooperation. The volume also analyses the evolution of relations with countries and regions of primary national interest (Mediterranean and Middle East, with a special focus on Libya and Egypt, as well as Sub-Saharan Africa, the Balkans, Russia and China). Special attention is given to public perceptions and opinions on issues of greater urgency and relevance for national foreign policy.

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