L'Italia e il progetto del Tana Beles in Etiopia tra influenza politica e cooperazione allo sviluppo (1985-1990)

In the 1980s, Italy sought to expand its international influence beyond traditional spheres, focusing on the Horn of Africa. This strategy, rooted in colonial ties and development cooperation, aimed to mediate between Somalia and Ethiopia while increasing Italian influence. The Tana Beles project in Ethiopia exemplified this approach, combining development aid with political objectives. Despite challenges, including criticism of suppor-ting Mengistu's regime and guerrilla opposition, Italy persisted with the project. Ultimately, the strategy failed with the collapse of both Ethiopian and Somali regimes. [Publisher's Text]