Michele Barbero - openDemocracy

Walking on a thin line

The game of Italian politics has never been so dangerous and high-stakes. Party leaders are willing to play.

By Michele Barbero

/ 4 Oct 2019

Useful fantasies

Why Northern Ireland had to pretend the IRA was gone for good.

By Michele Barbero

/ 10 Sep 2015

Italy's shy president?

Matteo Renzi has won the battle to have his first choice candidate elected as Italy's new President of the Republic. But is Sergio Mattarella really Italy's "shy President"?

By Michele Barbero

/ 6 Feb 2015

Italy's shy president?

Matteo Renzi has won the battle to have his first choice candidate elected as Italy's new President of the Republic. But is Sergio Mattarella really Italy's "shy President"?

By Michele Barbero

/ 6 Feb 2015

Mafia is northern Italy's problem too

A recent judicial sentence confirms that clan-based organised crime has extended its influence to northern Italy.

By Michele Barbero

/ 18 Jun 2014

Mafia is northern Italy's problem too

A recent judicial sentence confirms that clan-based organised crime has extended its influence to northern Italy.

By Michele Barbero

/ 18 Jun 2014

Italy: back to the future?

PM Matteo Renzi triumphed over Beppe Grillo and Berlusconi in the last European elections. Does this reshuffling of Italian politics mean the country is back to a sort of normal?

By Michele Barbero

/ 2 Jun 2014

Italy: back to the future?

PM Matteo Renzi triumphed over Beppe Grillo and Berlusconi in the last European elections. Does this reshuffling of Italian politics mean the country is back to a sort of normal?

By Michele Barbero

/ 2 Jun 2014

Can Alexis Tsipras save the Italian left?

The oft-divided Italian radical left has united behind the star of the Greek left, Alexis Tsipras, in the European elections. Will this be enough to avoid yet another electoral failure? Euro elections landscape, 2014.

By Michele Barbero

/ 19 May 2014

Can Alexis Tsipras save the Italian left?

The oft-divided Italian radical left has united behind the star of the Greek left, Alexis Tsipras, in the European elections. Will this be enough to avoid yet another electoral failure? Euro elections landscape, 2014.

By Michele Barbero

/ 19 May 2014

Matteo Renzi: Italy’s fake revolution

Last week, Matteo Renzi’s government obtained the backing of the Italian Parliament, aiming to revolutionise the country's old politics. But can his political style and smart tweeting be enough?

By Michele Barbero

/ 5 Mar 2014

Matteo Renzi: Italy’s fake revolution

Last week, Matteo Renzi’s government obtained the backing of the Italian Parliament, aiming to revolutionise the country's old politics. But can his political style and smart tweeting be enough?

By Michele Barbero

/ 5 Mar 2014