An introduction discusses Italy's governmental and political institutions and the roots of the instability that is endemic to Italian public life. The nation's protective structures in the areas of law enforcement, security, and national defense are also described. Further analysis examines the destabilizing security and criminological issues affecting Italy, including overt political violence, terrorism, ideologically motivated abductions, kidnappings for ransom, organized crime, subversive exploitation of national security matters and the pacifist movement, and hostile intelligence operations conducted by foreign powers and subnational organizations on Italian territory. The discussion emphasizes the objectives, dynamics, and linkages of criminal or hostile forces at work. A concluding section outlines the countermeasures adopted by the Italian Government. Tables, appended tables and chronologies, chapter notes, and index.