Post-war Italian Nationalism (original) (raw)

This essay analyzes the domestic implications of the "Trieste question" and its instrumental use in post-war Italian nationalism, which sought to regain political legitimacy following WWII. It argues that this nationalism was a multifaceted phenomenon that evolved into neofascist, irredentist, and later populist expressions. The focus is on how the Trieste question was perceived as essential for national identity restoration, emphasizing a perceived neglect from the government over the native Italian population's fate, while simultaneously fostering regional independent sentiments. Furthermore, the work critiques existing scholarship for underestimating the significance of the Trieste question and highlights its role in the political landscape of post-war Italy.