The Lega Nord, one of the most important right-wing populist parties in Western Europe, is the focus of this well researched look into Italian regional politics. The author links the Lega Nord's rise to the socio-economic development of the north over the south in Italy and the political process which created a voting block in the south. This led the north of Italy to see "Rome" as a predatory entity, drawing resources and impeding progress in the north to support the south. The author examines this process and explores the implications it produces for the whole of Europe.