Italy Today represents one of the most comprehensive examinations of contemporary Italy. It is a provocative and an innovative collection that aims to highlight the current .crisis. of the country through an analysis of several different .dark shadows. of contemporary Italian society.

Italy already had a long history of 'unsolved' issues, several chronic problems and contradictions that have been ignored for a very long time, during which they have assumed dramatic proportions and gravity. The peninsula has now become the .Sick Man of Europe., a country facing a veritable decline also caused by apparent incapacity and difficulties of the ruling economic, political and social elites.

Discussions include:

* an evaluation of the current predicaments of the political system

* analysis of emerging mafias, including new powerful crime organizations such as .Ndranghetàp>* issues surrounding the ongoing presence of Fascism

* examination of the recent xenophobic tensions

* discussion of problems associated with the missed opportunity of the EU funding, and the increasing regional economic gaps

* outline of the systemic troubles of Italy.s economic and industrial system.

Written by leading experts in the field and covering a wide range of topics, this collection is essential reading for all those seeking to understand the issues and problems that are facing contemporary Italy.