About Me
Born and raised in Trento, Italy, I bring a diverse background that blends academic rigor with practical experience. Currently affiliated with George Washington University and active in the private sector, I am preparing a forthcoming book under contract with Peter Lang. I earned a Ph.D. in European History from West Virginia University (2014), with a specialization in nationalism, World War II, and U.S. Diplomatic History, focusing on Cold War Europe.
Before entering academia, I worked across various industries and served in a NATO peacekeeping mission in Albania in 2001. My academic journey also includes a Master’s in Public Policy (2010) from West Virginia University, a Master’s in International and European Studies (2007), and a Bachelor’s degree in Society, Politics, and European Institutions (2004) from the University of Trento.
Scholarly Interests
My research journey began with an exploration of the Yugoslav wars of succession, with a focus on the role of the European Community during this critical period and its implications for post-war Europe. From there, I shifted to examine totalitarian ideologies and their profound impact on twentieth-century politics and society. More recently, my work has concentrated on the political and cultural dynamics of Cold War Europe, nationalism, and borderland identities.
My dissertation, “Between the Local and the National: The Free Territory of Trieste, ‘Italianità,’ and the Politics of Identity from the Second World War to the Osimo Treaty,” investigates the Italian government’s strategic territorial claims over Trieste, reframing the city as both a barrier and a bridge of the Cold War. It explores the interplay between nationalism and political violence, demonstrating how fear and patriotism shaped public narratives, influenced political discourse, and hindered reconciliation in the northern Adriatic borderland region.
Building on my strong foundation in international affairs, my broader interests encompass European integration, transatlantic relations, and the history of Southeastern Europe, with a particular focus on the Mediterranean region. These interconnected themes continue to inform my commitment to analyzing the complexities of nationalism, political identity, and historical legacies in modern Europe.
To learn more about my work, visit my research page or connect with me on Academia.edu, where I share my conference papers and publications.