In 1933, Italy's national strength did indeed sat on a rather blurry threshold. Yet aside from the universally acknowledged great powers, as well as major nations like the Far East Empire, the Ottoman Empire, Brazil, and Argentina, Italy's military strength was unquestionably far greater than that of the vast majority of countries and regions.
Italy's position in Europe, however, was hardly ideal. France lay to the west, the Austro-Hungarian Empire to the east, while Britain's naval hegemony dominated the Mediterranean Sea to the south.
Looking over Italy's only two colonies, they too had resulted from mutual compromise among Britain, France, and East Africa. The Red Sea colonies, for instance, bordered French Djibouti, British Somaliland, Egypt, then East Africa and its dependent state, Abyssinia.
Italian Libya was much the same. To its east lay British Egypt, to its west French Libya, and to its south East Africa's colony of Darfur.
Put plainly, Italy's colonies were essentially a "buffer zone" bestowed by Britain, France, and East Africa—the charity of three great powers.
Abyad and the others had no clear understanding of the strength of East Africa or Italy. Although East Africa was recognized as a world power, the Libyans had only come into contact with that country within the past few years.
Zaigut said, "Chief, how should we deal with this suspected East African military outpost? I'm worried they have ties to the Italians and will sell us out to them."
Abyad said, "I share that concern. Whether it is East Africa or Italy, they are Europeans in truth, just like Britain and France. We must be careful when dealing with them."
East Africa was obviously not a "European" country, but Abyad still classified it as part of Europe.
This was much like how many people in the Far East Empire perceived