Reincarnated as Nikolai II

Chapter 287: Qualification of the Duce (3)

Italy's structure can be said to be more unique than any other country.

Perhaps they are an unprecedented nation, having changed so rapidly from the common laissez-faire market capitalism of the great powers in the 1920s.

If I had to find a similar country...

"19th century Russia?"

Their structure bears striking resemblance to our historical past, specifically Russia approximately 40 years ago. The bureaucratic apparatus, agrarian dominance, and rigid social hierarchies mirror the pre-revolutionary Russian system with remarkable similarity.

Italy is becoming a self-sufficient country, half by choice and half by dire necessity, as they systematically erect increasingly prohibitive tariff barriers and methodically block all international trade. The autarky policy, championed by Fascist ideologues, seeks to insulate the Italian economy from foreign influence and dependency.

Then one might naturally wonder: How can a country like Italy possibly survive on pure self-sufficiency in this transitional era when 20th-century industrialization has progressed to some extent but remains incomplete? The modern economy demands resources, technology, and markets beyond any single nation's borders.

Right. It's absolutely impossible—a economic fantasy doomed to failure.

That country is rapidly transforming into a socialist state in all but name, with approximately 75% of businesses being directly state-owned and the remainder under strict state control through regulations and party oversight, but even with this level of centralized economic planning, genuine self-sufficiency remains entirely out of the question. Italy lacks the diverse resource base and industrial capacity required.

It's also increasingly difficult to significantly expand public works programs like those implemented in America under the New Deal. At most, such initiatives might employ 5% of all Italian workers. Even if Mussolini aggressively squeezes the national budget and indiscriminately employs people in various public institutions and make-work projects, he might, at the very maximum, be able to increase public sector workers to 5% within 4 years—a drop in the bucket compared to unemployment figures.

Similarly, creating their own economic bloc is difficult.

Italy's colonies?

Libya and Somalia are the only Italian territories, but forming an economic bloc with them?

Even the permanently frozen tundra of Siberia, harsh and inhospitable as it is, ultimately has more economic value and resource potential than those arid North African territories.

Eventually, Mussolini will find it increasingly difficult to remain politically inactive as economic pressures mount, if only to maintain his precarious grip on power and the illusion of Fascist success. The mounting contradictions between rhetoric and reality cannot be sustained indefinitely.

And I know all too well the conclusion he will reach.

"Does this era really know nothing but imperialism? The solution to every problem leads to colonies."

Italian East Africa.

More precisely, Ethiopia.

There's really nothing else Mussolini can touch.

Other African lands? Touching them means immediate war with France or Britain.

The Balkans? He can't enter because of us.

Asia? They do have one concession in China, but besides that, their ships don't even go there.

Italy, a country at the edge of the great powers.

Since their participation in the Great War, their desires and goals have been not just transparent but firm.

They wanted to become an empire.

Truly, with nothing else in mind, they have been rushing toward this goal, not caring how many would die if only they could become an empire.

"Beren."

"Yes."

"Go to Ethiopia. Independence guarantee is difficult, so go with support."

But sadly, they did not qualify to become an empire.

==

There have been various changes related to Italy recently, but if I had to pick one, it would definitely be this interaction.

This feeling that the Tsar's and my opinions are exchanged and aligned has been the strongest.

"Touching Ethiopia. It's a warning."

The fact that we proceed together without gathering in one place means our thoughts align.

This fact alone made Adolf feel like his mood could soar these days.

The joy of confirming one's own growth.

The change felt in the skin when achieving the progress one has advocated for so long.

This is evolution.

Seeing Foreign Minister Beren personally visit Ethiopia to declare support for independence, it seems Serbia has been forgiven and it's Italy's turn to be punished.

That means it's his turn again.

Adolf immediately summoned the Italian ambassador and announced:

"You did not participate in the war against Germany and only fought the Great War by siding with Serbia, which assassinated the Archduke of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, correct?"

"...I'm not sure I understand what the Führer is saying."

"What I mean is, by assassinating the Serbian king, you have directly negated your justification for participating in the Great War."

Unable to counter with 'We made a secret agreement with Britain and France and participated conditionally?', the Italian ambassador decided to listen quietly, not knowing where this conversation would lead.

To him, Adolf went one step further.

"Then I believe Germany, which indirectly supported the Austro-Hungarian Empire but had almost no direct combat, has no reason to continue fulfilling its debt to Italy."

"What? That was decided by the Reparations Commission! It's compensation that my country rightfully earned by participating in the war! And I repeat, Italy has no connection to the assassination of Alexander I."

"How shameless. Saying things even Britain wouldn't believe. Anyway, I've said what I needed to say, so you may leave."

Barely gaining any territory, unable to take German colonies, and now having the only thing they got—reparations—not just reduced but eliminated.

This is not just about the amount; it's about nullifying Italy's very history of participation in the Great War.

After the ambassador, who took all this as a severe insult, left, Adolf, now alone, struggled to suppress the laughter that kept trying to escape his lips.

"Italy. Merely took down Italy."

They won't accept it? They'll bring in other Allied powers to get their reparations?

Nonsense.

From the moment he killed Alexander I, Mussolini revealed the teeth of expansionism.

It was an act that provoked Britain and stabbed France in the back.

Despite this, for the Western powers to unite again to get reparations...

"Do you really have the courage for that?"