Italy and international human rights: Facing role contestation

Has the 2018-2019 Conte I cabinet’s approach to human rights also mirrored a deeper change in the established national conception of the role the country should play in the international human rights regime? Applying role theory to the analysis of Italian decision makers’ positions on the country’s foreign policy vis-à-vis human rights norms and institutions during the period, this article reveals the existence of an ongoing phase of ‘role contestation’ among Italian leaders. A new isolationist, uncooperative and delegitimising conception of both multilateralism and its human rights priorities clashes with a commitment to preserve the traditional conception of the country as a responsible multilateralist and principled actor, producing contradictory foreign policy behaviour which has affected the country’s international reputation and credibility.