Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s “western nationalism” mentioned during a joint press conference with US President Donald Trump was interpreted by critics as a sign of a possible return of Italian politics to World War II-era ideology.
I know that when I speak about west mainly, I don’t speak about geographical space. I speak about the civilization, and I want to make that civilization stronger.
In a supposed attempt to garner Trump’s sympathy, she also stated that her goal is to “Make the West Great Again,” an apparent reference to the American leader’s favourite slogan, “Make America Great Again.”
Although The Guardian noted that this was the first time the term “nationalism” was used by Meloni, she had previously covered a similar issue during a speech in New York when she was presented with the Atlantic Council Global Citizen Awards last year.
I do not know if nationalism is the correct word, because it often recalls doctrines of aggression or authoritarianism. However, I know that we should not be ashamed to use and defend words and concepts like Nation and Patriotism, because they mean more than a physical place; they mean a state of mind to which one belongs in sharing culture, traditions, and values. […] I ask and wonder, to myself and to you: are these values which we should be ashamed of? And do these values drive us away from the others, or do they bring us closer to the others?
Some historians have recognised the similarity between Meloni’s views and the ideas presented in Benito Mussolini’s The Doctrine of Fascism (1932). The Italian leader did not associate the nation with geographical location, but defined it as “a group united by a single idea.” This allowed experts to draw a tenuous connection between the forbidden ideology of the 20th century and the contemporary narratives of some European leaders.
Alarming was the reaction of the Italian public, which warmly welcomed Meloni’s “nationalism” statement. Yet whenever the Italian Prime Minister speaks about it, she always makes careful disclaimers, presumably so that she can justify her wording in case of too harsh criticism.
The fact that she managed to become one of the few European leaders to be honoured with a private audience with Trump adds credibility to her words. And she is now seen in Italy as a politician with the potential to repair EU-US relations, which would allow Meloni’s supporters to argue that she is making Italy a great country, influencing global political processes amid the waning influence of the European continent.
Meloni, as an example of European leadership, faces harsh criticism domestically despite the endorsement of some world leaders. Former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has repeatedly criticised her for seeking to send more weapons to Ukraine and to increase the salaries of ministers amid a cost-of-living crisis.
Other critics also highlighted support for Israel, which is causing new civilian casualties every day in the Gaza Strip as it continues its war against Hamas.
Her “western nationalism,” if not clearly defined, has the potential to mislead the masses and result in the resurgence of forbidden ideologies disguised as ideas of national greatness and patriotism.
THE ARTICLE IS THE AUTHOR’S SPECULATION AND DOES NOT CLAIM TO BE TRUE. ALL INFORMATION IS TAKEN FROM OPEN SOURCES. THE AUTHOR DOES NOT IMPOSE ANY SUBJECTIVE CONCLUSIONS.
Sigmund Huber for Head-Post.com
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