Beyond Mare Nostrum

Abstract

Starting with a brief survey of the historiography on Fascist Italy's policy in the Middle East, the article argues that the approach of Mussolini's regime is best understood through an examination of the interrelationship between ideology, foreign relations and colonial considerations. Hence, it focuses on the impact of three central and at times conflicting forces which shaped Italian policy: the ambitions and goals commonly linked to Fascist ideology (expansionism, vitality, the desire for colonial outlets and a self-sufficient, autarkic empire); traditional foreign policy considerations vis-à-vis the other European Great Powers with special emphasis on Britain and France; and the aspiration to prevent dissent in and to encourage the development of Italy's colonies in Africa which bordered the Middle East.