Zarstvo and Communism: Italian Diplomacy in Russia in the Age of Soviet Communism

Product Description


The First World War brought with it enormous ideological, political and social problems. In Russia, as in Italy, the repercussions of the war were soon felt, and the two countries saw the birth of oppositional movements within them. In Russia, these movements grasped power thanks to a Bolshevik coup, while in Italy Mussolini founded the Fasci di combattimento, a real militia ready to ride the popular discontent with the mutilated victory, specifically the dissatisfaction with territories promised by the Treaty of London and not granted to Italy. Relations between these two countries were interrupted for several years and were resumed only when both realized that the economic advantages that could result from resuming relations would be far more beneficial than continuing their ideological confrontation. However, mutual distrust never stopped and rendered bilateral relations increasingly tenuous until they were definitely severed in the early years of the Second World War.


About the Author


Francesco Randazzo is Associate Professor of History of International Relations at the Department of Political Sciences of the University of Perugia, Italy, and coordinates Cirseu, an international center for Eurasian studies. His research deals with issues related to pre-Soviet Russia and Italian diplomacy at the beginning of the 20th century. He has published several monographs on late imperial Russia, including History of Kazakhstan, from the Origins to Independence (2015) and The Other Diplomacy: Italy, Russia and Eurasian Relations during the Belle Epoque Period (2014).