Between the past and future: Has a shift Italian-Libyan relations occurred?

The present paper discusses the evolution of the relations between Italy and Libya in the recent past with particular attention focused on the developments in the last decade. The aim is to develop a framework for examining and understanding the hidden reasons and the vested interests that have driven these tow countries' foreign policies within the framework of the wider Mediterranean region. The findings discussed here are based on an analysis of the evolution of Italian foreign policy towards Libya as reported by the press, the main political protagonists and through an examination of the unfolding of facts and events. Primary newspapers sources are widely used in addition to interviews with Itralian and Libyan officials and policymakers.