The Italian Left and Ben Bella’s Authoritarianism in Algeria, between Unconditional Support and Faint Criticism (1962–1965)

Abstract

Based on the intersection of primary and secondary sources, this article seeks to take stock of the position taken by the Italian Left, and in particular by the Italian Communist Party as regards Ben Bella’s authoritarianism (1962–1965). This position is taken into consideration regarding the so-called ‘1962 summer crisis’, the repressive measures against opposition groups and the 19 June 1965 coup d’état. This article argues that Partito Comunista Italiano (PCI) and partially Italian Left maintained an unconditional support for Ben Bella during his presidency. The relationship with Front de Libération Nationale was blindly defended and continued despite everything and everyone.