Mallet, Mussolini And The Origins Of The Second World War

Abstract

Taking advantage of newly-released archival materials Robert Mallet has entered the debate on the role played by Fascist Italy in the background to the Second World War. The results confirm Il Duce's aggressive policies and challenge recent Italian scholarship, particularly that of Renzo De Felice, that denies Mussolini's expansionist goals. Resenting Italy's secondary imperial status, Mussolini's fascist imperium was ideologically distinct from previous Italian leaders, recalling the glories of the Roman empire. Mallett insists that such a policy meant war against Britain and France to secure key strategic points in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Such a policy was not possible without substantial rearmament and compatible allies. Prior to 1935, such an ally was not to be found.