When populists encounter: Italian PM visits Washington

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Europe

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is going to Washington to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on the coming Monday.

Trump has been the first populist president of the US since Andrew Jackson, Amy Chua, a professor at Yale Law School said in her book published in February.

Conte is the head of a coalition government between Italy's two populist parties, the anti-establishment Five Star Movement and the far-right League.

What is to be expected when the two populist leaders meet?

Potential populist Washington-Rome axis

At least, Conte can expect a warm welcome in Washington, The Local, an Italian news network, made the statement soon after the White House released the news about Conte’s visit.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte (R) shakes hands with Italy's President Sergio Mattarella during the swearing in ceremony of the new government at Quirinale Palace in Rome, June 1, 2018. /VCG Photo

Conte, a law professor who studied at Yale University with no political experience, became Italy’s prime minister since June 1. However, some politicians describe the Interior Minister and leader of the far-right League Matteo Salvini as the de facto premier, reports said.

Described as an “invisible or silent Premier,” Conte has played a less visible role in the government. But Giancarlo Elia Valori, an Italian economist, has a different opinion, calling Conte a perfect mediator between the two deputy-Prime Ministers.

Speaking of Conte's current performance, Nathalie Tocci, Director of the Italian International Affairs Institute, said that Conte is growing into something — something that tends to be more constructive than destructive.

"Conte is already emerging as Trump’s strongest supporter in Western Europe with speculation over a potential populist Washington-Rome axis underpinned by disruptive diplomacy." Andrew Hammond, Associate at LSE IDEAS at the London School of Economics, made the remarks in an article posted on Arab News, a Saudi Arabia's English-language newspaper.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte (C) speaks flanked by Industry Minister and Deputy PM Luigi Di Maio and Interior Minister and Deputy PM Matteo Salvini (R) at the Lower House in Rome, June 6, 2018. /VCG Photo

Italy emerging as Trump's new favorite

So far, Trump has met Conte twice, at the recent Group Seven (G7) and NATO summits. "Italy is emerging as Trump's new favorite in Europe," Dr. Germano Dottori, a professor of strategic studies at Luiss University in Rome, told the Russian news agency Sputnik.

"The two apparently bonded over the treatment of migrants and the global role to be played by Russia," Clarence Page, a regular columnist for Chicago Tribune, explained the idea last week.

Screenshot of Trump's tweet

Conte was the only other leader at the G7 meeting who backs Trump's call for Russia to re-enter the G7. And he was praised as "a really great guy" by Trump during the summit.

To reciprocate, Conte posted a photo with Trump on his official Facebook page, saying “Storica alleanza, nuova amicizia,” which means "Historic alliance, new friendship."

Screenshot of Conte's facebook post

Conte also wants a tougher EU asylum migration policy. And he won Trump's praise for being "very strong on immigration."

Italian government: More pro-US

Trump-Conte relationship could have significant implications because of Italy’s continued systemic importance in Europe, Hammond noted.

Italy is the third-largest Eurozone economy and poses perhaps the biggest threat to the single currency area’s future, reports said.

A picture in central Rome shows a mural depicting US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. /VCG Photo

"More pro-US and less pro-European." Talking about Italian government, Stefania Panebianco, who teaches about politics at the University of Catania and the LUISS School of Government, said according to the Washington Post.

The White House has called Italy an important NATO Ally, a leading partner in Afghanistan and Iraq, and key in bringing stability to the Mediterranean region.

Deepened cooperation on agenda

According to the White House's statement, Trump and Conte will meet for a private conversation, followed by an expanded bilateral meeting.

The two leaders will look to deepen cooperation in addressing global conflicts and promoting economic prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.

Conte could look for US support as Rome tries to play a lead role in the rebuilding of Libya, reports said.

The President and Prime Minister will also recognize the historical and cultural ties between the two countries, which underpin the bilateral relationship, the White House said.