Extreme Right-Wing Foreign Fighters and Volunteers from Italy

This chapter aims to offer a comprehensive analysis of Italian extreme right-wing foreign fighters and volunteers from the post-World War II era to the current conflict in Ukraine, from a social science perspective. It explores the political conditions, ideological reasons, and personal motivations that have driven Italian right-wing extremists to participate in foreign armed conflicts and political violence abroad. The chapter traces historical trajectories, including involvement in the Congo, South Africa, Lebanon, former Yugoslavia, and Latin America, emphasizing how transnational neofascist networks enabled Italian militants to engage with authoritarian regimes. In recent years, Ukraine has emerged as a central destination, attracting both pro-Russian and pro-Kyiv fighters and volunteers from Italy’s extreme right. Through detailed case studies, the chapter examines diverse motivations, from ideological affinity to personal grievances and adventurism. It also discusses the legal ambiguities surrounding these fighters under Italian law and the potential security risks they may pose upon return, including violent radicalization and involvement in illegal activities. The chapter concludes that while the number of Italian right-wing foreign fighters is limited, their political significance is notable. It also calls for further scholarly inquiry into this underexplored phenomenon and highlights the need for nuanced responses to the challenges posed by transnational far-right militancy.