Unwanted Ally. Italian Political Debate on Yugoslav Unity during WWI

Abstract

Upon entering WWI, Italy expected to gain hegemony over the Adriatic Sea. After 1917, however, several events had seriously altered the political context, urging a reappraisal of Italy’s war aims. This article describes the debates among Italian political sectors on the emergence of Yugoslav unionism. Several Italian politicians had proposed a bilateral deal with Serbia and the Yugoslav Committee and engaging in direct talks to pave the way for a compromise solution over the Adriatic. Minister of Foreign Affairs Sonnino instead retained the 1915 Treaty of London as the only basis for Italy’s war, rejecting bilateral deals. The lack of reappraisal in Italy’s diplomatic strategy finally exposed Rome to growing isolation, especially when France and England began to support Yugoslav claims.