Historically, rising and ruling powers don't stumble into war directly. Instead, their heightened distrust creates a tinderbox where a seemingly minor incident involving a third party (like the assassination in Sarajevo pre-WWI) can escalate uncontrollably into a catastrophic conflict.

Italian leaders openly framed their switch of alliances as a "sacred egoism" – a divinely appointed mission to enlarge the fatherland. This concept sacralized raw national self-interest, providing a moral justification for betraying former allies and pursuing a war of conquest.

While most WWI belligerents framed their involvement as a defensive necessity for "Hearth and Home," Italy was transparently opportunistic. Its leaders openly admitted they were not defending themselves but attacking for conquest and glory, making it arguably the most acquisitive campaign of the war.

Citing the historical example of the Lusitania, which was loaded with munitions and sent into U-boat territory without an escort, the host argues that governments orchestrate or permit attacks on their own interests. This creates a powerful casus belli, manipulating public opinion and forcing allies' hands.

Lacking a parliamentary majority for war, Prime Minister Salandra executed a masterful political maneuver by resigning. This dared the king to appoint an anti-war successor amidst orchestrated street protests. Fearing civil unrest, the king was forced to reappoint Salandra, effectively greenlighting Italy's entry into the war.

Internally divided societies rarely come together on their own. Unity is almost exclusively forged when a common external, existential threat emerges. This was seen after 9/11 and during the Cold War, where the fear of an outside enemy overshadowed internal political disagreements, forcing cooperation.

Despite widespread public opposition, the Italian government used celebrity poet Gabriele D'Annunzio to ignite war fever. His impassioned, quasi-religious speeches created a frenzy among a vocal urban minority, pressuring politicians and the king into a war the majority of the population did not want.

The harsh terms of the First Punic War, which stripped Carthage of territory and imposed a massive indemnity, created deep resentment. This parallels the Treaty of Versailles with Germany, illustrating how overly punitive settlements can sow the seeds of a future war of revenge rather than secure lasting peace.

Italy's blatant negotiation with both sides of WWI to secure the best territorial deal earned it contempt from its new allies. Winston Churchill called Italy the "harlot of Europe," and Prime Minister Asquith described it as "voracious, slippery, and perfidious," highlighting the deep cynicism behind their alliance of convenience.