This volume proposes a historical analysis of Italian-Libyan relations in contemporary times. After examining the colonialism of liberal Italy, which in 1911 culminated in the military campaign for the conquest of the Libyan regions, it evaluates the impact of fascism in Libya and the attempt to launch a broader pro-Arab policy. The third section analyzes the construction of the so-called 'special relationship' between Rome and Tripoli since the 50s when an economic interdependence between the Libyan oil producer and the Italian industrial power was pursued despite political differences. Finally, the volume also focuses on the dramatic implosion of Libya and the loss of its political unity following the fall of the Gaddafi regime, which, on the one hand, scaled back Italy's regional role, on the other, spread instability throughout the Euro-Mediterranean area. The volume uses a historiographical methodology focused on primary sources and updated scientific literature but also includes specialized analyses of the most current scenarios. This is the first systematic work on the Italian-Libyan relationship produced in English, accessible to area scholars, specialists, analysts, and students, who intend to deepen their understanding of one of the pivotal factors of the Euro-Mediterranean balance, which is currently missing.

Luciano Monzali is Full Professor of History of International Relations at the University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Italy. He is one the most distinguished historians of Italian Foreign Policy. He is the author of 'The Italians of Dalmatia: From Italian Unification to World War I' (2009) and editor with Paolo Soave of 'Italy and the Middle East. Geopolitics, Dialogue and Power during the Cold War' (2021).Paolo Soave is Associate Professor of History of International Relations at the University of Bologna, Italy. His research interests are focused on Italian Foreign Policy, U.S. Foreign Policy, First World War, Cold War. Among his recent publications: 'Italy and the Middle East. Geopolitics, Dialogue and Power during the Cold War' (2021); 'Una vittoria mutilata? L'Italia e la conferenza di pace di Parigi' (2020).