Modern Italian history includes significant failures in state development: the inability of the Liberal State after Unification to democratize, mobilize and modernize Italian politics, economy and society; the rise of Fascism as a reflection of these shortcomings; the problems of the post-war Republic, tainted by corruption, organized crime and terrorism. This text describes and evaluates the historiographical contours. The politics, economic developments and society and culture of each period are thoroughly analyzed, and an overview of recent research into hitherto neglected areas of study, such as gender, popular culture, and sport, is also included.

Nick Carter is Senior Lecturer in modern European History at the University of Wales, Newport. He is a specialist in modern European History, particularly Italian History and European Integration.