“Latin sisters” or “frenemies”? Thematising mutual elite trust in France – Italy relations

France and Italy share a long-standing and complex relationship shaped by geographical, historical, and political ties. While the assumption of mutual goodwill and trust might prevail in external perceptions, closer examination reveals episodes of situational mistrust among the ruling elites of both countries. This article explores the dynamics of trust in contemporary Franco−Italian bilateral relations through in-depth interviews conducted with political, economic, and cultural elites from March to May 2024. The analysis begins with a brief historical overview of France–Italy relations, providing essential context for understanding current interactions. The methodology section details the approach used to investigate elite perceptions of mutual trust. The empirical section analyses and discusses key themes in France–Italy relations emerging from data analysis.