ABSTRACT
Italy and Russia diverge on virtually everything, from geographical location to climate, from size to strategic landscape, from history to cultural heritage and political, economic and social development. Yet, relations between the two countries have been remarkably strong historically. The roots of this peculiar relationship are not easily identifiable, in particular when Italy's relations with Russia are compared to those of other large European states. Unlike Germany, geography has not linked Russia and Italy; nor geopolitics, as is the case with France and Britain. So, what is it? Do Russia's views and ensuing policies really match with Italy's? And what are the implications for Italy as a member state of the EU, but also NATO?
