CHARTING ITALY'S DIPLOMATIC COURSE - Italy’s recent foreign policy decisions have reflected the new government’s dynamic and resurgent approach to its global engagement. Italy is reassessing its Belt and Road Memorandum with China, having been the only Group of Seven country to join the initiative; organized ongoing discussions with Tunisia to help unlock International Monetary Fund loans for the country and jointly address the migration influx from North Africa; and announced a new energy cooperation initiative—the so-called “Mattei Plan”—to establish Italy as a central energy hub distributing North African and Mediterranean gas to Europe.

What are the underlying reasons for this shift in Italy’s economic relations with China?  How can Tunisia and Italy collaborate effectively on migration, human rights, and regional stability? Is the Mattei Plan viable and strategically smart for Italy?

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 07/20/23