Understanding Nuclear Deterrence: Civic Awareness and Responsibility

Despite Italy’s role in NATO’s nuclear arrangements, public debate on nuclear weapons in the country remains very limited, and key concepts such as nuclear deterrence and extended deterrence are often poorly understood. Moreover, the discussion takes place mainly in English and within a small community of experts and policymakers, remaining largely inaccessible to a wider audience. The project aims to strengthen public understanding of and critical engagement with nuclear deterrence, while fostering greater awareness of alternative approaches to security – from non-proliferation and arms control to disarmament – that move beyond a narrative centred solely on deterrence. Conducted entirely in Italian, the project comprises eight public events at Italian universities (Rome, Bologna, Trento and Turin), each addressed to students and to the general public, and a workshop for journalists aimed at improving the accuracy of reporting and countering misinformation on this topic. The project is directed by Ludovica Castelli.

Funding: LEX International