Only 16% of Italians would fight for their country

A recent CENSIS survey reveals that nearly a third of Italians believe their country will be involved in a war in five years. However, only 16% of those of fighting age would be willing to fight. Among younger Italians, 39% identify as pacifist conscientious objectors, while 19% would seek to avoid conscription.

Only 26% support military deterrence, and just a quarter backs increased military spending. Despite a 46% rise in defense spending over the last decade, Italy's per capita expenditure remains low compared to other NATO countries.

Most Italians favor strengthening NATO and a unified European defense system. Recently, only 17% of Italians supported increasing defense spending, the lowest in a European survey.