On February 24, 2025, the association Centro Popolare will host the presentation of Maurizio Molinari's book, "La nuova guerra contro le democrazie," at the historic Sala Nassirya of the Italian Senate. This event not only marks the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine but also serves as a pivotal discussion platform addressing the current state of Euro-Atlantic relations and Italy's geopolitical stance.
Among the distinguished guests at the presentation will be several prominent figures from both diplomatic and political spheres. Maurizio Molinari himself will be present to elaborate on his work, accompanied by Ukrainian Ambassador to Italy Yaroslav Melnyk and Israeli Ambassador Jonathan Peled. The event will also see contributions from notable Italian politicians, including founders of Centro Popolare, Mara Carfagna, Mariastella Gelmini, and Giusy Versace, along with senators Lucio Malan and Pier Ferdinando Casini. The opening remarks will be delivered by the President of the Senate, Ignazio La Russa, ensuring institutional acknowledgment of the event's significance.
Moderated by journalist Giovanna Pancheri, the gathering is anticipated to draw attention not only to the book's themes of hybrid warfare but also to the broader geopolitical ramifications affecting democracies worldwide. Carfagna, Gelmini, and Versace stated, "C’è un contesto in rapido cambiamento che, dall’Ucraina al Medio Oriente, dall’Europa agli Stati Uniti, impone di aggiornare le analisi e le azioni conseguenti. È in corso uno scontro violentissimo tra autocrazie e democrazie..." This quote reflects the urgent and dynamic nature of the discussions likely to emerge during the event.
The timing of the book's presentation is particularly poignant, coinciding with the anniversary of the Ukraine conflict. It serves as both commemoration and call to action, urging stakeholders to reassess their strategies concerning the rising threats posed by authoritarian regimes. The notion of the 'hybrid war' conceptualized by Molinari encapsulates the multi-faceted nature of contemporary conflicts, whereby traditional state aggression intertwines with tactics aimed at undermining democratic institutions.
Throughout the discussion, the participants are expected to explore the implications of these dynamics for Europe and beyond. The current geopolitical climate is marked by rising tensions related to democracy and autocracy, and the urgency for democratic nations to unite against these threats is more pronounced than ever.
Ambassadors Melnyk and Peled are not only representatives of their nations but also symbols of the international solidarity necessary to combat hybrid warfare and support democracy. Their attendance highlights the significant partnerships being forged across borders to tackle common challenges.
Centro Popolare's initiative to host this event reflects its commitment to fostering informed dialogue on pressing geopolitical issues. The participation of high-profile attendees and their combined expertise is expected to generate rich discussions on how democratic nations can effectively respond to the challenges posed by anti-democratic aggressors.
Until the end of the event, the focus will remain on how Italy and its partners can adapt to the shifting tides of international relations, with reflections on the necessity of reinforcing democratic values amid the increasing threats posed by autocratic regimes.