A CONVERSATION WITH ITALIAN CHIEF OF DEFENSE ADMIRAL GIUSEPPE CAVO DRAGONE - The Atlantic Council’s Europe Center and Middle East Programs hosted Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Italy’s Chief of Defense, on April 19, 2023, for a conversation assessing Italy’s defense posture in light of Russia’s continued war in Ukraine and systemic changes to the European security architecture.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has compelled a geopolitical rewiring of Europe and put the future of the region’s security architecture to the test. An important ally to the West, Italy in particular has long played an important role in European security as both a NATO and European Union member and as one of Europe’s leading actors on questions of stability in the Mediterranean. As Europe’s third-largest economy and an early mover in Western efforts to provide support to Ukraine, Italy is well-positioned to shape forthcoming EU and transatlantic security initiatives towards the east and the south.

In light of continuing challenges and recent discussions on Italian and European defense efforts, Admiral Dragone will join the Council to discuss solidarity among Western countries, the future of security in Europe, the strategic outlook in the Mediterranean, and developments in Italian defense planning.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 04/19/23