Geographical Factors vs. Geopolitical Agent in Geopolitical Analysis: Italy's Energy Reorientation from Russia to Africa after the Invasion of Ukraine

Abstract

CHARLES UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES Institute of Political Studies Department of Political Science Geographical Factors vs. Geopolitical Agent in Geopolitical Analysis: Italy's Energy Reorientation from Russia to Africa after the Invasion of Ukraine Master's thesis abstract Author: Valerio Ferri Study programme: Geopolitical Studies Programme (GPS) Supervisor: Prof. Nuno Morgado Valentim Albino, M.Pol.Sc., Ph.D. Year of the defence: 2023 Abstract This thesis is focused on the Italian energy shift from Russia to Africa aimed at reducing Russian energy imports after the invasion of Ukraine under the Draghi administration. The selected theoretical framework is Neoclassical Geopolitics. This thesis aims to understand what factors led to that specific foreign policy outcome. Attention is devoted to decision-making process resulting from both systemic factors and geopolitical agents' behavior and perceptions. The research path starts with the selection and definition of those structural factors meaningful in the case under observation. After, it covers the identification and characterization of Italy's geopolitical agents, analysis of the Italian strategic culture and geopolitical agents' perceptions, discourse, network of relations, intentions, ambitions, and domestic power structure. In conclusion,...