Territorial Politics of Regionalism in Italy Between Integration and Disintegration

The chapter analyses Italian regionalism as an example of the trend of decentralized States, where the strive for more autonomy of territorial institutions leads to constant instability. It delves into the foundations of the regional system, its implementation and consolidation, complementing the constitutional analysis with contextual comparative and political references. It assesses when and why claims of differentiation among Regions arose, as well as how they were channeled through legal and constitutional means: first, through principles and rights supposedly aimed exclusively for citizens/residents of the corresponding Region; then, through regional laws calling for referenda on independence or higher autonomy. The current phase is characterized by the pursuit of “differentiated regionalism” and a novel debate, conscious of the North/South divide, has started concerning the scope of national cohesion and solidarity, as well as basic levels of protection of civil and social rights throughout the country.