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Italy and the US: a renewed security partnership

    • Rome
    • 19 April 2017

          This Conference provided an opportunity for participants to examine the partnership between Italy and the United States – rooted, as it is, in a history of cultural ties that are even deeper than the political relationship – against the backdrop of the current state of international play, which is rapidly evolving and marked by powerful destabilizing factors. The Southern front, that is, the entire Mediterranean basin, was singled out as the source of the most direct security risks, in respect of which bilateral cooperation is important for both countries. It was acknowledged, however, that certain threats are by their very nature global (such as cyber-attacks on both private actors and governments) or – despite having a regional epicenter – pervasive (such as jihadist terrorism).

          Looking at risks and threats in general, it was observed that more traditional challenges have not been replaced by new ones, but rather a dynamic mix has emerged that calls for flexible approaches. ISIS was held up as a case in point: although ostensibly a jihadist terrorist outfit (with rather traditional ideological elements), it seeks to establish a pseudo-state (or more than one) and makes full use of certain innovative technologies to exploit personal connections even over long distances. It was thus suggested that identifying and blocking funding channels for terrorist groups is a key priority.

          The notion was put forward that Italy’s geopolitical placement, in any event, provides a starting point for gauging the contribution that the country can make – and is making – towards the pursuit of common interests. Indeed, this very factor points to a specific role for the country in terms of migrant flows and maritime security, particular with respect to Libya. The situation in Egypt, characterized as only seemingly stable, was also the subject of discussion as regards possible shared objectives.

          The recent targeted military intervention in Syria by the US, following the unlawful use of chemical weapons against the civilian population, was seen as potentially offering an opportunity to tip the scales on the ground, in the face of the major obstacles standing in the path of a negotiated solution to the very grave Syrian crisis. While acknowledging that enormous difficulties remain, it was felt that a greater American presence on both the diplomatic and (with a degree of caution) the military front would be desirable.

          Political developments in Turkey were highlighted as another shared concern, even more so in light of the results of the constitutional referendum held on April 16, which have left the country in a state of uncertainty, with possible repercussions for Turkey’s international relations.

          In such a volatile climate, it was stressed that NATO’s operational capabilities (though necessitating some internal reforms) will be particularly valuable, and any strengthening of Europe’s independent capabilities must be devised in a manner that is compatible with NATO’s role. In terms of defense spending commitments, it was confirmed that Italy is amenable to pursuing set objectives through mutually agreed measures, with a gradual scaling-up of efforts which, for that matter, is already underway.

          Wider challenges to the core values ​​underpinning the world order (as shaped by western countries in the post-World War II period) were also identified. Some participants urged that the openness of free markets and borders can only be upheld by reaffirming the principle of national sovereignty. Reinstating full border controls was therefore considered crucial, including so as to bolster citizens’ trust in authorities and political leaders.

          A type of new threat was seen as stemming from various forms of “information war” being waged, which have become more pervasive due to the spread of certain communications technologies and the vulnerability of certain critical infrastructure, such as power grids. This was deemed as requiring close coordination between governmental and private authorities, as well as a constant sharing of intelligence data between allied countries. With the understanding of cybersecurity issues growing at a slower pace than the risks involved, it was underlined that appropriate mechanisms and procedures need to be devised as soon as possible, so as to also manage and prevent conflicts in cyberspace (including more effective deterrence and suppression measures). It was nevertheless conceded that upholding the free circulation of ideas and information, as an indispensable economic and cultural resource, must naturally be a key priority.

          Lastly, managing energy interdependence (particularly in the Mediterranean) was seen as a further issue to be addressed through both bilateral and multilateral efforts.

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