In this episode of the ITSS Verona Member Series, our members interview Dr Serena Giusti, Affiliate Professor at the Institute of Law, Politics, and Development at Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa.

With a PhD from the European University Institute and extensive expertise in foreign policy analysis, EU-Russia relations, democratisation, and European security, Dr Giusti sheds light on how cultural heritage is being weaponised in the war in Ukraine. The discussion covers Russia’s policies before and after the invasion, deliberate targeting of heritage sites, the trafficking of stolen cultural items, their use in sanctions evasion, and strategies to counter these hybrid threats. 

Interviewers: Julia Hodgins and Francesco Pagano - Culture, Society & Security Desk