Ep 20. Italy's Secret Government: The P2 Lodge

Italy's Secret Government: The P2 Lodge is the twentieth episode in the first season of The Real History of Secret Societies. This episode delves into the P2 Lodge, a secret society that operated in Italy during the 1970s and 1980s. The P2 Lodge was established as a Masonic lodge but was ultimately banned in 1981 after allegations of corruption and criminal activity.

The episode begins by exploring the origins of the P2 Lodge. It was founded by Licio Gelli, a businessman with ties to the Italian fascist movement. The P2 Lodge was initially created as a way for like-minded individuals to connect and network, but it quickly became something more sinister. The P2 Lodge became involved in political activities and started to exercise control over key aspects of Italian society, including the media and the judiciary.

The episode then moves on to the role of the P2 Lodge during the period known as the "Years of Lead" in Italy. This was a period of political turmoil and violence that lasted from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. The P2 Lodge was involved in a number of controversial activities during this period, including an alleged plot to overthrow the government. The episode explores the evidence behind these allegations and looks at the impact that the P2 Lodge had on Italian politics during this time.

The episode also examines the links between the P2 Lodge and the Mafia. Many members of the P2 Lodge were connected to organized crime, and the society was believed to have provided a way for organized crime to influence the government and law enforcement. The episode looks at the evidence behind these claims and explores the impact that organized crime had on the P2 Lodge and Italian politics more broadly.

As the episode draws to a close, it examines the legacy of the P2 Lodge. Despite being disbanded in 1981, the P2 Lodge continues to have a significant impact on Italian society. The episode looks at the ways in which the P2 Lodge influenced the rise of Silvio Berlusconi, the former Italian Prime Minister, and explores the ongoing debate about the role of secret societies in Italian politics.

Overall, Italy's Secret Government: The P2 Lodge is a fascinating episode that offers a deep dive into the world of secret societies and their impact on Italian politics. The episode is well-researched and provides a balanced view of the controversies surrounding the P2 Lodge. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of secret societies and their impact on the world around us.