The ‘pragmatic’ foreign policy of the Meloni government: between ‘Euro-nationalism’, Atlanticism and Mediterranean activism

Abstract

ABSTRACT Concerned about reassuring its European and transatlantic allies, during 2023 the Meloni government pursued a foreign policy aimed at showing consistency of intent and reaffirming Italy’s international role. In particular, the government has focused its efforts on redefining relations with the European Union, the United States, the wider Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific – while interfacing with the Russian-Ukrainian and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts. Migration and energy have been guiding themes for the executive’s conduct on the international scene, particularly in the Mediterranean region. Overall, the foreign policy of the Meloni government has developed in substantial continuity with that of Mario Draghi; what characterises it, however, is a marked pragmatism, an emphasis on a rediscovered national pride, as well as the risks of overstretch and personalisation of political conduct around the role of the Prime Minister.