A Circle of Impossibility. The Problem of Disarmament, Détente and Security in Polish-Italian Relations (1958–1969)

The article is an analysis of the attitude within the circles of the Italian Republic to Poland’s disarmament plans in 1958–69, that is the Rapacki Plan (1958) and the Gomułka Plan (1963). Drawing on Italian documents the author examines the attitude of the Italian government to these proposals. She presents the determinants and contexts of both proposals (the bipolar division of the world during the Cold War, Italy’s membership of NATO and subordination to Washington’s policy, the country’s economic and financial problems). The article also contains opinions on Moscow’s role in and attitude towards the Polish peace initiatives.