Navigating the three circles: the politics of Italy’s foreign policy under the Meloni government

Abstract

In 2024, the Italian government responded to external crises – the ongoing war in Ukraine and the conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and beyond – while also proactively addressing what is increasingly seen as both a source of security challenges and strategic opportunities: the African continent. On the first two fronts, the Government maintained strong support for Ukraine but stopped short of measures such as authorizing Kyiv to use European-supplied weapons on Russian territory. Regarding the war in Gaza, Italy aligned with the EU’s mainstream position, advocating a ceasefire and providing humanitarian aid. Consistent with previous centre-right governments, Giorgia Meloni’s has maintained a firmly Atlanticist foreign policy while adopting a largely pragmatic approach towards Europe. In contrast, its Africa policy – building on an evolving Italian strategy that dates back at least to the Renzi government – reflects a broader ambition for autonomy, strategic depth and international status. The launch of the Mattei Plan, which is based on the principle of equal partnerships with African governments, exemplifies this approach. While it may appear as a move towards the re-nationalization of foreign policy, it remains aligned with US, European and African regional interests, particularly in the wake of the withdrawal of France and the EU from the Sahel.