On the Edge of Democracy

This book examines Italy's political transformation from monarchy to republic and fascism to democracy between 1943 and 1948, highlighting public experiences.

In On the Edge of Democracy, the author delves into the significant political transformation that Italy experienced between 1943 and 1948, a period marked by the shift from monarchy to republic and the transition from fascism to democracy. Rather than focusing solely on formal political structures, Forlenza highlights the hopes, fears, and expectations of the public during this tumultuous time. This approach provides a more nuanced understanding of how ordinary citizens navigated the uncertainties of a world reshaped by war and political upheaval.

The book explores the emergence of democracy in Italy following World War II, particularly in the wake of Benito Mussolini's removal from power. Forlenza moves beyond traditional institutional analyses, choosing instead to emphasize the lived experiences of both ordinary people and elites during this critical juncture. The meanings associated with democracy are presented as context-dependent, arising from the unique challenges and crises faced by society as it grappled with the legacies of violence and war.

On the Edge of Democracy captures pivotal moments when individuals were faced with difficult choices, such as whether to return home or remain engaged in the struggle for a new political order. The narrative illustrates how the myth of America and the ideological battle between communism and anti-communism during the early Cold War influenced the formation and understanding of post-fascist democracy in Italy, framing this transition as both a political and spiritual endeavor.