What role did ideology play in German and Italian foreign policies?

Ideology played a significant role in shaping German and Italian foreign policies, particularly during the interwar period and World War II.

In Germany, the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in the 1930s brought about a radical shift in foreign policy, driven by a potent mix of nationalism, racism, and anti-communism. The Nazis sought to overturn the Treaty of Versailles, which they viewed as unjust and humiliating, and to expand German territory through a policy of Lebensraum, or 'living space'. This involved the annexation of territories inhabited by ethnic Germans and the subjugation or extermination of 'inferior' races. The Nazis also aimed to establish a New Order in Europe under German hegemony, which would be free of Jews and communists. These ideological goals were pursued through a combination of diplomacy, intimidation, and military aggression, leading ultimately to the outbreak of World War II.

In Italy, the rise of Benito Mussolini and the Fascist Party in the 1920s also led to a significant shift in foreign policy. The Fascists were driven by a form of radical nationalism that sought to restore Italy to its former glory as a great power. They aimed to expand Italian territory and influence, particularly in the Mediterranean and Africa, and to create a New Roman Empire. The Fascists also sought to counter the perceived threat of communism and to establish Italy as a leading power in a new fascist-dominated Europe. These ideological goals were pursued through a combination of diplomacy, propaganda, and military aggression, including the invasion of Ethiopia in 1935 and the alliance with Nazi Germany in the Pact of Steel in 1939.

In both Germany and Italy, ideology played a crucial role in shaping foreign policy. It provided a framework for understanding the world, a set of goals to strive for, and a justification for aggressive and expansionist policies. It also helped to mobilise support at home and to legitimise the regimes in the eyes of their followers. However, the pursuit of these ideological goals also led to conflict and war, and ultimately to the downfall of both regimes.