I am interested in changes in modes of political participation and in the related theoretical aspects. My research focuses particularly on the interaction between civil society organizations, social movement organizations and decision-making, particularly at EU level, and on the related implications for democracy.
A second area of research is on ethno-nationalism and populism. For instance I am working on ‘uncivil society’ organizations – such as xenophobic groups and networks.
In general, I am interested in the process of institutionalisation of new social movements – particularly environmental, anti-racist and regionalist movements, and I am studying their impact on the policy process, both in a comparative perspective (mainly in relation to southern Europe) and with reference to processes of Europeanization and governance.
Current Grants
Italian Research Council - Programme PRIN (Project of
Relevant National Interest) (2016-2018). Power Dynamics, -- Trento Unit: Populism
and Disintermediation
Doctoral Supervision
Political sociology, migrant associations, European studies, organised civil society (public interest groups, charities, advocacy groups, NGOs), social movements, ethnicity and anti-racism, populism, ethno-nationalism, environmental issues.