An Estranged ‘marriage of convenience’: Salvini, Putin, and the intricacies of Italian-Russian relations
Journal: Contemporary Italian Politics
Year: 2020

This article seeks to tackle two interrelated issues. First, it explains the nature of the mutual affection of the right wing of Italian politics – exemplified by the Lega – and the Kremlin. Concomitantly, we explore the reasons behind the Lega’s predilection for Putin’s regime, seeing it as part of this party’s public strategy, and look at the factors behind Russia’s reciprocal – though limited and contextual – sympathies towards Salvini and his associates. Second, we explore the practical cons