Institutional responses to terrorism: The Italian case

This study analyzes the main trends in the Italian response to terrorism for the effectiveness of specific policies and their impact on civil liberties. Four periods are highlighted. The first (1970–74) is characterized as ‘immobilist'; while left‐wing terrorism was not recognized as a threat, right‐wing terrorism, which was much more serious at that time, was protected by the Italian secret service. The second period (1974–76) is characterized by a decline in right‐wing terrorism and a more serious attack on left‐wing terrorism within a wider repression of organized and violent crime. The third period (1977–82), called the Emergency period, is characterized by a new wave of left‐wing terrorism and increased repression that ultimately promoted terrorist recruitment. The fourth period (1982–89) represents the defeat of left‐wing terrorism through new anti‐terrorism policies, such as amnesty and repentance laws. The conclusion draws three lessons for Europe: the possible implication of secret services in right‐wing terrorism; the inefficacy of emergency legislation that treats terrorism like organized crime; and the importance of reintegrating former terrorists into society.