Eleanor Finch
Italy has a reputation for weakness in Diplomacy due to the difficulty in forming long-term alliances. However, Italy has the potential to dominate the west and expand its reach to England in the north and as far as Moscow in the east. Italy's most common winning strategy involves invading Austria and Turkey, requiring fleets to position troops for invasion. A second fleet, however, may upset Italy's allies. Italy's opening strategy often involves an alliance with Austria, with an attack on Germany becoming more popular.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Italy's primary challenge in Diplomacy | Difficulty in making long-term allies |
| Most popular opening strategy for Italy | Alliance with Austria |
| Italy's usual plan | Take over most of the South (Italy, Tunis, Austria, the Balkans neutrals, Turkey, and Sevastopol) plus Marseilles and some combination of other centers (like Spain and Portugal, or Warsaw and Moscow) |
| Italy's most common way to win the game | Conquering the entire South + Marseilles |
| Italy's common winning strategy | Invade Austria and then overpower and invade Turkey, or vice versa |
| Italy's reputation | Weakness |
| Italy's role in an alliance | Build fleets |
| Italy's opening move | Rome -> Tyrrhenian, Naples -> Ionian, Venice hold or Venice - Tyrolia |
| Italy's role in an alliance with Austria | Italian army in the East moves up along the German border to the Russian front |
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What You'll Learn
Italy's challenge to make long-term allies
Italy's primary challenge in forming long-term allies is the difficulty involved in maintaining these relationships. It requires a player with honed persuasive abilities and strategic vision to excel as Italy, even more so than the other powers. Many diplomacy players fail to conduct the nuanced diplomacy needed to secure allies for the long term. Italy has developed a reputation for weakness due to players' lack of tactical skill, failure to see the strategic picture, and poor tactics during the opening round of invasions.
One of the most popular opening strategies for Italy is an alliance with Austria. In this strategy, the border region of TYR-TRI-VEN is kept clear, usually by a constant bounce between TRI and VEN. Italy can also form a lasting alliance with Austria to secure the British Isles, seeing Italy go through France first and then campaign through France, England, and into Germany or Scandinavia. France and Italy are natural allies as they extend their territorial reach toward Russia. However, an Italian attack on Germany through MUN has become more popular, with the northern army bothering the Western Triple and conquering a center from time to time. Italy can also reach as deep into Russian lands as Warsaw and Moscow, though St. Petersburg is unlikely unless a raider fleet enters the Atlantic to the Barents Sea.
Italy's focus on the Mediterranean can seem like a regional preoccupation, but the area is essential for the transatlantic alliance as the southern flank of NATO. Italian policymakers view Russia as a threat to NATO's eastern flank, as well as a destabilizing force in Libya. Italy has increased its troop contributions to NATO missions, with nearly 9,500 troops deployed abroad during Trump's first term, an increase of about 2,000 personnel. However, Italy still ranks low on the list of contributing countries as most allies simultaneously boosted their defense budgets. Italy's strategy to avoid criticism has been to further increase its contributions to NATO and US-led operations. To maintain its reputation as a valuable contributor to transatlantic security, Italy may need to increase its defense spending to match the 2% target of its GDP.
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The role of Italian diplomacy in the Austria-Hungary alliance
Italian diplomacy played a significant role in the formation and eventual dissolution of the Austria-Hungary alliance, also known as the Triple Alliance. The alliance was established in 1882 and included Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. Several factors influenced Italy's decision to join this alliance, and the role of Italian diplomacy was crucial in managing relations with its former enemy, Austria-Hungary.
Firstly, Italian diplomacy was driven by the desire to counter French influence in Europe and North Africa. Italy had ambitions to establish colonies and build an overseas empire, which brought it into direct competition with France. France's conquest of Tunisia in 1881, known as the "Slap of Tunis," angered Italians who saw it as a potential colony. By joining the Triple Alliance, Italy sought to guarantee support against French aggression and advance its colonial ambitions.
Secondly, the conservative Italian government at the time shared ideological sympathies with the monarchies of Austria-Hungary and Germany. This ideological alignment facilitated diplomatic relations and created a united front against common adversaries. Italian diplomacy played a key role in navigating these complex geopolitical dynamics.
However, Italian public opinion remained unenthusiastic about the alliance with Austria-Hungary due to their historical enmity and border disputes. Italian irredentists considered the Italian-populated districts in Trentino and Istria within the Austro-Hungarian Empire as occupied territories. These tensions persisted, and even during the early 20th century, there were speculations about a potential war between Italy and Austria-Hungary. Italian diplomacy had to carefully navigate these conflicting sentiments while maintaining the alliance.
Ultimately, Italian diplomacy shifted during World War I. Despite being a member of the Triple Alliance, Italy initially declared itself neutral in 1914. However, wooed by both sides, Italian leaders weighed their options and sought to gain the greatest benefit from participation in the war. Italy ended up declaring war on Austria-Hungary in 1915, driven by the promise of territorial gains along their shared border. This decision opened up a new front in World War I and demonstrated the complex role of Italian diplomacy in managing alliances and pursuing national interests.
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Italy's invasion strategy: Austria or Turkey first?
Italy's invasion strategy is largely dependent on its diplomatic relations with other countries. Italy's central position in Europe makes it a key player in the region's politics, with the country bordering Austria, France, and Switzerland.
One of the most popular opening strategies for Italy is an alliance with Austria. This strategy, known as the Lepanto, involves Italy and Austria committing to a joint attack on Turkey. The Lepanto opening is named after the Gulf of Lepanto, which was the site of a naval battle in 1571 where European powers defeated Turkey. This strategy aims to stop Turkey in its tracks and can be successful if Italy and Austria work together effectively. However, if the invasion of Austria is not successful, it could lead to severe consequences as Austrians can be vengeful when stabbed by Italians.
On the other hand, some sources suggest that Italy should focus on attacking Austria first. This strategy is more realistic with two Italian armies and can be facilitated by an alliance with Russia, who can help Italy in its invasion of Austria. A smart Italian player will also react to Austria's fleet build by partnering with Russia, which can lead to Austria's collapse in a pincer attack.
Therefore, Italy's invasion strategy depends on its diplomatic relations and the specific game situation. Both Austria and Turkey can be viable targets for invasion, depending on Italy's alliances and strategic goals. Italy's central position and limited early growth potential make it important for the country to foster strong diplomatic relations and remain flexible and patient in its invasion strategy.
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Italy's expansion plans: North or South?
Italy's expansion plans, both historically and in the context of modern-day strategy games, have involved moving north and south.
Historical Expansion
Historically, the Roman expansion in Italy saw Rome grow from a small Italian city-state to the ruler of the Italian region. This expansion began with a series of conflicts, including the first war against the Sabines and conquests around the Alban Hills and the coast of Latium. The birth of the Roman Republic in 509 BC also sparked major wars with the Etruscans. In 390 BC, Rome was sacked by Gauls from the north of Italy, and in the second half of the 4th century BC, Rome clashed with the Samnites, a powerful tribal coalition in the Apennine region. By the end of these wars, Rome had become the most powerful state in central Italy and expanded north and south.
The Roman advance continued in the northeastern region with the foundation of Aquileia in 181 BC, the subjugation of Istria in 177 BC, and the conquest of the Cisalpine Ligures in 175 BC. Sicily was also conquered during the First Punic War, with only Syracuse remaining independent until 212 BC due to its alliance with Rome.
Romanisation and homogenisation of the Italian peninsula involved forcibly uprooting and deporting tribal groups, both in the north and south, and establishing political and social control.
Modern-Day Strategy
In the context of modern-day strategy board games, Italy's expansion plans involve both northern and southern movements. One popular opening strategy involves an alliance with Austria, with a focus on the border region of TYR-TRI-VEN. Italy can also expand northwards towards England, especially in an alliance with Austria that involves a campaign through France and England into Germany or Scandinavia. Moving eastward, Italy can reach deep into Russian lands, with the possibility of capturing Moscow or even St. Petersburg through strategic fleet and army placements.
However, Italy's expansion plans are challenging due to the difficulty of forming long-term alliances, requiring sound tactical and diplomatic skills.
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Italy's role in the triple alliance with Austria and Turkey
The Triple Alliance was a secret agreement between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, formed on May 20, 1882. It was a defensive military alliance, with each member promising mutual support in the event of an attack by another great power. Italy sought their support against France after losing North African ambitions to the French. In return, Italy promised to assist Germany if it was attacked by France without provocation.
In the event of a war between Austria-Hungary and Russia, Italy promised neutrality, which would free up Austrian troops that would otherwise have been needed to guard the Austrian-Italian border. Italy also gained an empty promise of German support for its colonial ambitions in North Africa. Despite the alliance, Italy and Austria-Hungary had conflicting interests in the Balkans and on the coasts and islands of the Adriatic and Aegean seas. Austria-Hungary was pressured into accepting the principles of consultation and mutual agreement with Italy on any territorial changes in these regions.
When World War I began in July 1914, Italy decided to remain neutral, despite being a partner in the Triple Alliance. There was strong sentiment within Italy to go to war against Austria-Hungary, with which it had a long history of conflict. Italy eventually resigned from the Triple Alliance and declared war on Austria-Hungary on May 23, 1915, after aligning itself with the Entente powers, France and Great Britain. This decision was influenced by Italy's goal of annexing territory along the frontier between the two countries, which would "liberate" Italian-speaking populations from the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
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Frequently asked questions
Italy building fleets early on can help them get into a position to attack other powers. Italy can reach as far as Warsaw and Moscow, and even St. Petersburg with a raider fleet. Building fleets can also help Italy to negotiate with other powers and form alliances.
Italy might face challenges in forming long-term alliances, as it requires a player with sound tactical and persuasive skills. Building fleets might also upset other powers, such as Turkey.
Italy can form an alliance with Austria to keep the border region of TYR-TRI-VEN clear. Italy can also work with Turkey to invade Greece and expand their influence in the region. Additionally, Italy can focus on conquering the South, including Italy, Tunis, Austria, and the Balkans.
