Resisting Russian and Chinese Influence, Post-Lockdown Italy Stands by NATO (From RealClearDefense)

The coronavirus has precipitated border shutdowns and scapegoating between countries, but it has not done much to erode the sturdy foundations of international alliances. Even with the U.S. pulling away from the WHO, its NATO partnerships, for now, remain cohesive. In particular, the mutual support between the U.S. and Italy—a critical ally in the Mediterranean theater—and Italy’s own commitment to NATO, appear to have provided a new perspective on its importance in the aftermath of the pandemic’s worst devastation in Italy. Both Russia and China contributed medical aid by sending supplies and medical staff to the then-overwhelmed healthcare system. However, COVID-19 seems to have entrenched Italy in its traditional geopolitical posture: an identification with liberal democratic, pro-European values. I have written more on this subject here.