Video Podcast Archives

July 16, 2024 — No Comments

Economic (in)security in the context of Italy-China economic ties with prof. Cardillo

In this episode, the researchers from the Italy team interviewed Prof. Cardillo on the importance of economic security relations between China and Italy from the perspective of state owned firms, foreign direct investments, and new developments through instruments such as the Belt and Road Initiative and, in general, soft and hard power tools.

Prof. Ivan Cardillo, is an expert jurist and Assistant Professor in Law at Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, where he teaches courses, on Comparative Law, Chinese-Western Comparative Legal Cultures, History of Foreign Law, Law and Cinema. He is the founder and director of the Institute for Chinese Law.

June 28, 2024 — No Comments

Dr. Beatrice Maneshi on Women’s Rights in the Digital Economy

In this episode of ITSS Verona Member Series Video Podcast, Dr Beatrice Maneshi delves into the issue of identity, discrimination and women's rights in the digital economy. Building upon previous researches, Maneshi explains the complex social impacts intertwined with the emerging gig economy.

Dr Beatrice Maneshi is a Gender, Security, and Financial Inclusion Expert focused on MENA, SEA and Sub Saharan Africa. Also, Founder of Catalystas Consulting.

Interviewers: Ilaria Lorusso and Sofia Sutera - Human Rights Team

June 11, 2024 — No Comments

Dr. Anna Sergi on the ‘Ndrangheta and its international dimension

In this session, Dr. Sergi discusses the characteristics that make the ‘Ndrangheta a poly-crime organisation. She expands on the particular status of ‘Ndrangheta in Europe, which is reflected in the crimes it is involved in, its organisation in different countries, as well as the collaboration with other criminal actors on the continent. She finally mentions the anti-mafia efforts at the EU level, and action levers for improvement.

Dr. Anna Sergi is a professor of criminology and organised crime studies at the University of Essex. She has written several books and academic articles on Calabrian organised crime in Italy and its ties in several countries around the world.

Interviewers: Agostino Bono, Camilla Cormegna and Shams Jouve - Crime, Extremism and Terrorism Team

June 7, 2024 — No Comments

Thomas Mayr-Harting on Transnistrian conflict

In this session, Mr. Thomas Mayr-Harting talks about the current dynamics of the Transnistrian frozen conflict. Mr. Mayr-Harting shares his expertise on the current status of the negotiations, the impact of Russia’s involvement, the grey zone trends, and the future prospects in the light of Moldova's political landscape.

Mr. Mayr-Harting is the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transnistrian Settlement Process.

Interviewers: Patrick René Haasler, Alexandra Tsarvulanova - Russia Team

April 24, 2024 — No Comments

B.J. Sadiq on Pakistan’s Election Results, Pakistan Crises, and Imran Khan

In this interview, Mr. Sadiq discusses the history of Pakistani democracy delving into Imran Khan's legacy, the recent elections results, and the current political landscape in Pakistan.

B. J. Sadiq is a British is writer, journalist, and poet. He is the author of a bestselling biography of Pakistan's former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, "Let There Be Justice: The Political Journey of Imran Khan," and has also written a novella in verse, "Of Kings and Nobilities."

Interviewers: Angelo Calianno and John Devine - Middle East Team

April 22, 2024 — No Comments

Prof. Ilan Kelman on Climate Change & Conflict: Case Studies of Syria & Sudan

Professor Ilan Kelman is a Professor of Disasters and Health at University College London, England and Professor II at the University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway.

This interview is divided into two parts. In the first episode, Davide Gobbicchi and Réka Szabó interview Professor Ilan Kelman about the impact of climate change on small island countries, with a specific focus on the Maldives. The interview touches upon the case of Bangladesh as well, since the country is extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels. Professor Kelman sheds light on the complexity and unpredictability of climate change. He also emphasizes the agency of the impacted countries in managing the consequences of climate change related to human security such as forced migration or conflict.

Interviewer: Réka Szabó and Davide Gobbicchi - Human Security Team

The second episode dives into the complex relationship between climate change and conflict. Professor Ilan Kelman analyzes evidence and deconstructs historical narratives surrounding climate change as a direct cause of conflict. Following a broad overview, the discussion delves into case studies of Syria and Sudan, exploring the UN's role in addressing these intricate dynamics.

Interviewer: Kelly Mikelatou and Davide Gobbicchi - Human Security Team

March 25, 2024 — No Comments

Prof. Thijs van Dooremalen on Climate Crisis and Strategies of Western Nations

In this session, Professor Thijs van Dooremalen delves into the strategies of the European Union and Western nations. We dissect how each region tackles the climate crisis through policy frameworks, focusing on how they communicate the urgency and navigate political challenges. While also exploring the human cost of climate change and how extreme weather events impact human security.

Thijs van Dooremalen is an Assistant Professor within the Governance of Crises research group at Universiteit Leiden. He researches how and why events can cause transformations within national public spheres (media, politics, and policy-making). In his PhD thesis, he analyzed this for the case of 9/11 in the United States, France, and the Netherlands. He is currently particularly interested in the impact of extreme weather events on climate crisis politics.

Interviewer: Kelly Mikelatou - Human Security Team

March 18, 2024 — No Comments

Dr Rosario Formicola on F-16 as a game changer in Ukrainian War

Dr Rosario Formicola active duty aviator Italian Air-force talks about on the potential change in the situation on the frontline in Ukraine with the transfer of F-16 aircraft to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Dr. Rosario Formicola delivers a presentation on the importance and specifics of the transfer of F16 aircraft to Ukraine. The specificity and importance of this factor in changing the balance on the battlefield and its impact on the security system in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. The advantages, problems and potential benefits for the Ukrainian Armed Forces are described. Due to the specifics of his duties, the doctor does not disclose some technical data, but gives a clear picture of the consequences of the transfer of F-16s to Ukraine.

According to the expert, the transfer of F-16s to Ukraine will significantly strengthen the troops, will be a big obstacle and challenge for Russia, but unfortunately the needs of the frontline in Ukraine require not only a much larger number of aircraft but also a huge effort to build the necessary infrastructure for maintenance. For obvious reasons, the doctor does not disclose specific figures or technical specifications, but gives an assessment of the implications and issues of this issue.

Interviewers: Igor Shchebetun - Russia Team

March 9, 2024 — No Comments

Prof. Paola Rivetti on Iran and Mahsa Amini

Prof. Paola Rivetti is an Associate professor in Politics and International Relations at Dublin City University. Her expertise lies in Iranian politics, gender and sexuality, social and political mobilisation and the Middle East Region.

In this session, prof. Rivetti talks about Iran in the aftermath of Mahsa Amini's death, dwelling into the movement Women Life Freedom, Iran's geopolitical position after the protests, and future prospect for the country (de)stabilisation.

Interviewers: Ilaria Lorusso, Shahin Modarres, Margherita Ceserani. - Iran Team

February 26, 2024 — No Comments

Maria Zuppello on the international drivers of Ecuador’s security situation

We bring you an interview with Maria Zuppello a Latin America researcher and analyst based in Brazil.

In this interview conducted by Giovanni Giacalone, Dr. Rabiah Ryklief, and Sarah Toubman, Maria Zuppello unpacks the current situation on the ground in Ecuador, as well as the underlying drivers which have contributed to conflict there. Maria looks at the role of Albanian and Mexican gangs in Ecuador, explaining the role these groups have historically and continue to have in the country.

Interviewers: Giovanni Giacalone, Dr. Rabiah Ryklief, and Sarah Toubman - Central & South America Team