Italy has leveraged ENI’s hybrid corporate–state role to reposition itself in Europe’s post-Ukraine energy order, using investments, pipelines, and regional partnerships in North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean to enhance geopolitical influence and energy security.

Greece’s victory over Italy in the Greco-Italian War (1940-1941) was driven by strategic use of geography, harsh weather, and national unity. Greek forces leveraged rugged terrain, adaptable tactics, and morale to counter Italy’s technological and numerical advantages, demonstrating the critical role of spatiality and logistical disruption in military success.

Meloni, hosting this year’s G7, wanted attending nations to turn south towards Africa. Meloni cleverly leveraged her role as host to sweeten Western economies’ taste of her grand strategy for Africa: The Mattei plan.

As the US and EU focus elsewhere, Italy and Turkey have increased cooperation in the Mediterranean. Despite differing foreign policy objectives, they share common interests in stabilizing Libya and playing a more active role in the Mediterranean’s security.