Verso il «Mediterraneo globale»? La proiezione oltremare dell’Italia (1979-2024)

This essay examines Italy’s strategic evolution from the end of the Cold War to the present, with a focus on its increasing military engagement beyond national borders. Since the 1980s, Italy has expanded its involvement in overseas missions, reflecting its enhanced capacity for military projection and closer cooperation within NATO and other coalitions. During this period, Italy adopted a more proactive approach to global security, moving beyond the defensive posture it had maintained throughout the Cold War. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Italy solidified its international posture, participating in key missions across the Wider Mediterranean region and even beyond, such as in Afghanistan. These operations highlighted, among other aspects, the growing significance of naval aviation and deployable capabilities, demonstrating Italy’s ability to adapt to a range of geopolitical challenges. More recently, Italy has further broadened its focus, turning attention to the Indo-Pacific region, signaling its apparent ambitions to establish itself as a key player in global security. Nonetheless, realizing these ambitions will require sustained political commitment, strong international alliances, and a cultural shift towards embracing a more assertive role.