ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to reveal the way in which Italy has reacted, and continues to react, to changes in the international security realm. It tracks the historical forces which have shaped the nation's strategy for defense, including an examination of Italy's relationship with the United States, NATO, and the EU, and also reveals a new threat which seems to necessitate formulation of new structures and/or new strategies. The chapter proposition was put forth that an historical examination of Italy's relationships with the United States, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the European Union (EU) would help explain its current behavior in the international security realm. The Berlusconi government is simply more outspoken in its relations with the rest of Europe. Croci states that the charge of euroscepticism leveled at Berlusconi is a misinformed opinion; close examination reveals that Italy's perceived turn from Europe is exaggerated.
