Italy in the EU: love affair or disillusionment? Italian discontent with the European integration, past and present
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Authors
Palazzetti, Valentina
Subjects
Italy
European Union
European institutions
Mussolini
Hitler
NATO
EEC
ECSC
WWI
WWII
Treaty of Versailles
Treaty of London
mutilated victory
democratic deficit
illegitimacy
euro
European elections
austerity
Brussels
security
defense
domestic policy
international policy
peacekeeping operations
ISAF.
European Union
European institutions
Mussolini
Hitler
NATO
EEC
ECSC
WWI
WWII
Treaty of Versailles
Treaty of London
mutilated victory
democratic deficit
illegitimacy
euro
European elections
austerity
Brussels
security
defense
domestic policy
international policy
peacekeeping operations
ISAF.
Advisors
Abenheim, Donald
Halladay, Carolyn
Date of Issue
2014-06
Date
Jun-14
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
After 70 years, have democracy, prosperity, and unity finally reached Italy? Italians are still wondering since the European Union’s (EU’s) promises after World War II remain largely unfulfilled. This thesis analyzes parallels and continuities of Italian politics of disillusionment from the post-World War I period to today’s European crisis, highlighting Italy’s widespread discontent with the EU and its institutions. From the mutilated victory of the Treaty of Versailles to a destructive fascist regime to the promises of future prosperity and progress in the EU, today Italy is still waiting for its early aspirations to materialize. While other EU members and cofounders (notably France and Germany) arrange the EU to their advantage―frequently overlooking Italy’s interests and needs―Italy’s increasing disappointment with the EU has reached an all-time high. This thesis traces these developments through historical analysis of key turning points—the interwar period, fascism, and the postwar democratic transformation. It culminates in a discussion of the current European crisis and Italy’s frustration with the EU by exposing the reasons for the country’s serious consideration of abandoning participation in the EU project.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.