3 Capitolo International Security and Defence Policy National interests and objectives 54. The ultimate goal of the national policy of international security and defence is the protection of Italy’s vital and strategic interests. To reach this objective the defence of the State and its sovereignty must be ensured, the construction of a stable framework of regional security must be pursued and efforts must be made to facilitate the creation of a favourable international environment. Although a multitude of Intergovernmental Action can be implemented by the government to achieve these objectives, the ability of the armed forces to defend Italy and its interests remains central. 55. In the last twenty years, in fact, the participation of the Defence in multinational military operations has reinforced Italy’s international role. This allowed us to strengthen our relations within the alliances and develop new ones, also with emerging actors. Italy has provided considerable commitment in terms of human and material resources - 33 -