Modern Italy

John Foot’s 3rd Edition of Modern Italy provides a comprehensive exploration of the key historical debates, events, and controversies in Italy over the last 150 years. Using a thematic structure centred on the Nation, the State, the Economy and Politics, Modern Italy skilfully draws out the many and far-reaching connections between Italy’s past and the country as it is today.

The book offers innovative interpretations of topics such as national identity, democratic politics, and modernization, and uses a wide range of primary sources, including contemporary documents and legislation, to explain Italian history and encourage further discussion. It also includes a wealth of ‘topic text boxes’ which introduce various key areas for analysis in an engaging way that aids both teaching and studying.

This 3rd edition includes for the first time:

- Considerable new material covering the dramatic events in Italy over the last decade
- Two sections on The Covid Pandemic and Italy that look at the political and the economic impact
- Enhanced content in critical areas like gender and the Church throughout
- An examination of the rise and fall of former prime minister, Matteo Renzi, and the rise to power of Giorgia Meloni
- Discussion of the transformation of the Lega Nord to the Lega
- New boxes on: Italy and terrorism; Italy and the Ukraine War; regionalist reforms; constitutional reforms; the death of Berlusconi; the environment and extreme weather events; and Italy and Israel
- 30 new images which add a compelling visual dimension to the analysis