Publication

This paper analyzes recent developments in Italy’s long-standing relationship with Russia in the midst of both an ongoing crisis in EU-Russia relations and Russia’s economic recession. Despite an extensive history of Italian-Russian bilateral trade, the author predicts that Italy will continue to support the EU’s position on Russia due to both their dependence on EU partners in addressing local crises as well as their emphasis on unity and solidarity. However, the paper concludes by encouraging Italy to advocate for the EU’s recognition of Russia as an essential actor in European and global geopolitics in order to ensure Europe’s stability and security in the future.