In 1986 the United States launched an attack against Libya in which the Italian government denied their airspace, ports and political-military support. Moreover, Rome warned Tripoli of the air inbound airstrikes, a move that saved Colonel Qadhafi’s life. Twenty-five years later, the US led a second, larger, air campaign against Italy’s former colony. In this engagement Italy not only offered its bases and airspace, but its military also participated in the attacks and even lead the naval contingent. The striking reversal of positions over such a short period begs a whole series of questions, principle among them: What motivated Italy to turn its back on its southern neighbor and support the United States and coalition forces? By examining four key conflicts –Libya 1986, the first Gulf War, Operation Allied Force in Kosovo and the Libya campaign in 2011– this dissertation explains the closing of US-Italian ranks and the transformation of Italy from passive ally to one of the US’s key partners, both geographically and military. By applying the findings of this research, leaders in both Rome and
The Mediterranean Pivot: US-Italian Relations In Time of War and Crisis 1986-2011 / Roberto R. Flammia. - (2014).
The Mediterranean Pivot: US-Italian Relations In Time of War and Crisis 1986-2011
FLAMMIA, ROBERTO
2014
Abstract
In 1986 the United States launched an attack against Libya in which the Italian government denied their airspace, ports and political-military support. Moreover, Rome warned Tripoli of the air inbound airstrikes, a move that saved Colonel Qadhafi’s life. Twenty-five years later, the US led a second, larger, air campaign against Italy’s former colony. In this engagement Italy not only offered its bases and airspace, but its military also participated in the attacks and even lead the naval contingent. The striking reversal of positions over such a short period begs a whole series of questions, principle among them: What motivated Italy to turn its back on its southern neighbor and support the United States and coalition forces? By examining four key conflicts –Libya 1986, the first Gulf War, Operation Allied Force in Kosovo and the Libya campaign in 2011– this dissertation explains the closing of US-Italian ranks and the transformation of Italy from passive ally to one of the US’s key partners, both geographically and military. By applying the findings of this research, leaders in both Rome andFile | Dimensione | Formato | |
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