social treatment. This perspective and this spirit are the basis of the White Paper’s strategic analysis and design synthesis. The strategic guidelines illustrated in this foreword are therefore the political guidance needed to develop implementation solutions. In particular, since strategies are worth nothing without the tools needed to implement them, this White Paper is to be followed by concrete legislative and regulatory proposals and a Defence strategic review which will outline how the future Armed Forces will be shaped and equipped to effectively tackle possible risks and current and medium-term threats. Finally, let me thank all the military and civilian experts who have worked with me for more than a year: their commitment has been crucial to drafting and publishing this White Paper. I hope that this paper will now foster renewed attention toward the Defence, and the necessary support for the ambitious review project outlined in it. Minister of Defence Sen. Roberta Pinotti - 11 -