The history of Euro-Atlantic integration in the second half of the 20th century is a fundamental scientific task that holds
exceptional significance for understanding the modern international system. The classical period is characterized by the
establishment of the foundation for a new security and cooperation architecture in Europe, which is a response to the
devastating consequences of World War II. The North Atlantic Alliance, created in April 1949, and the subsequent
development of European integration structures, starting with the EEC, formed the essence of the modern Euro-Atlantic
community. Analyzing the mechanisms of historical overcoming of contradictions among European states is particularly
important, especially the transformation of Franco-German antagonistic relations into a partnership, which changed the nature
of the post-war system of international relations.
The process of Euro-Atlantic integration allows for the assessment of the mechanisms of a unified economic and legal space,
which has created the foundation of the modern European Union and NATO. They played an important role in establishing
democratic institutions in Western Europe and strengthening an effective alternative to communism during the bipolar
confrontation.
The relevance of historical research on this issue is determined by the need to address contemporary challenges of Euro-
Atlantic integration, particularly ensuring the stability of NATO's expansion processes, eliminating crises within the EU, and
the necessity to counter aggression from the Russian Federation. Historical analysis helps draw lessons from past experiences,
arrive at the most rational political decisions in the present, and choose the best development strategy for the future.
The dissertation is dedicated to Italy's participation in the development and strengthening of the political and economic
cooperation system among Western countries in the second half of the 20th century. The aim of the work is a comprehensive
study of Italys integration into Euro-Atlantic political and economic structures from 1949 to 1999. The subject of the research
is the political and economic aspects of Italy's involvement in Euro-Atlantic integration processes.
The relevance of the topic encompasses both social-political and academic aspects. The first is determined by Ukraines current
foreign policy course towards joining the EU and NATO. Within the framework of Euro-Atlantic partnership, Italy is one of
our countrys main partners. On the other hand, there are no works in Ukrainian historiography that comprehensively address
the issue of Euro-Atlantic integration during the years 1949-1999. Thus, this work contributes to a deeper study of the topic and
can be used for the development of relevant educational courses and further scientific research.
The introduction demonstrates the relevance of the dissertation topic, defines the object and subject of the research, and
outlines the chronological and territorial framework of the work. The goals and tasks of the dissertation, the research
methodology, and the scientific novelty and practical significance are presented. A list of publications and conference
presentations is provided, confirming the validation of the results.
In the first chapter, an analysis of the source base and literature of the research was conducted. The sources were divided into
four groups based on their form. The first group consists of official documents: normative legal documents of Italy,
international agreements and memoranda, resolutions and declarations of international organizations, press releases, official
statements and speeches by state and political figures, reports from the Italian Parliament and international organizations, as
well as sociological and statistical materials. The second group of sources, namely administrative documents, includes
diplomatic correspondence from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Department of State, as well as transcripts
of meetings from the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Parliament. The third group of sources—press
materials—contains program articles by state and political figures, publications from party press, and interviews. The fourth
group—memoirs—comprises published recollections of Italian and foreign historical figures.
The analysis of historiography was conducted based on a thematic principle. The largest group consists of works dedicated to
the history of Italy's Euro-Atlantic integration. It was established that the greatest contribution to the study of this issue has
been made by Italian scholars. Additionally, American, British, and Ukrainian historiography were highlighted. A
characterization of key works was provided. Works addressing the development of Atlantic and European integration as a
whole were examined separately, and contemporary trends in the study of the topic were identified.
