Vittorio Emanuele Parsi on Meloni Government’s International Stance: Trump, Global Diplomacy and Italy’s Role

Italian political scientist Vittorio Emanuele Parsi has criticized the foreign policy approach of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, particularly regarding its alignment with former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing Trump as “the first anti-American president of the United States.”

Speaking on the Italian television program DiMartedì hosted by Giovanni Floris, Parsi commented on Meloni’s international positioning, arguing that her government’s close ties with Trump undermine traditional transatlantic alliances and reflect a broader shift in which certain leaders prioritize personal rapport over institutional diplomacy.

Parsi, a professor of international relations at the Catholic University of Milan, has recently published a book titled “Contro gli Imperi, il futuro delle nostre democrazie nel nuovo…” in which he analyzes the rise of authoritarian tendencies in global politics and the risks they pose to democratic institutions.

His remarks come amid ongoing scrutiny of Meloni’s foreign policy, especially her early and vocal support for Trump following his 2025 inauguration, during which she was the only European leader invited to attend the ceremony in Washington.

Meloni had previously been photographed in a private meeting with Trump at the Élysée Palace in Paris ahead of the Notre Dame Cathedral reopening, an encounter that highlighted her efforts to position herself as a key interlocutor between the U.S. And Europe.

In his commentary, Parsi suggested that such personal diplomacy, while politically symbolic, risks weakening multilateral frameworks and could embolden leaders who challenge liberal international norms, including Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he grouped with Trump in his critique.

The political scientist has previously noted that Meloni’s alignment with Trump may become a liability as Italy approaches key elections, particularly if public opinion shifts or if U.S. Policy under Trump generates economic or diplomatic backlash in Europe.

Parsi’s analysis reflects a broader debate within Italian and European political circles about the sustainability of Meloni’s strategy of cultivating direct relationships with non-traditional U.S. Leaders, especially as traditional allies express concern over the direction of U.S. Foreign policy.

As of April 2026, Meloni continues to defend her approach, asserting that engagement with Trump serves Italy’s national interest by ensuring direct access to decision-making in Washington, even amid controversies surrounding his rhetoric and policy initiatives.