Abstract
The recent expansion of security and military involvement by certain European nations in the IndoPacific has ignited a fervent debate among scholars and practitioners in international relations. The ultimate cause is straightforward: the surge in China’s economic and military prowess over the past decade has sparked widespread deliberations on responses to the evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly concerning the defense of the so-called liberal international order which rests on US primacy. While the United States has muscularly reoriented its foreign policy priorities towards the Indo-Pacific, other European powers like the United Kingdom and France have come late but eventually enlarged their commitment in the area. Finally, European countries like Germany have opted for a selective but incremental engagement with the Indo-Pacific. Amidst this dynamic environment, there’s a notable case study in Italy that warrants attention, distinguishing itself from other European counterparts due to its relatively limited military capabilities yet growing participation in the region. Consequently, this investigation of Italy’s engagement unfolds in three stages. First, we delve into the structural determinants of Italy’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific. Then, conducting a preliminary analysis of Italy’s regional threat environment and defense capabilities, we reflect on the consequences of this engagement for Italy’s security. Finally, we offer preliminary considerations about the implications for NATO in the medium term. The study fills a gap in the knowledge of the foreign policy of one of the most significant European middle powers, leveraging existing studies predominantly conducted in Italian, and lays a foundation for new research.
Presenters
Lorenzo TerminePostdoc Researcher, Department of Political Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Italy, Indo-Pacific, China, Pivot, Security
