Asia Observatory (AO)

Director: Prof. Silvia Menegazzi (smenegazzi@luiss.it)

Reference center: CISS

Web page

The Asia Observatory of the CISS is a research observatory focused on the study about political, social, economic and cultural developments in Asian societies, bilateral relations of East Asian states with one another, trilateral and regional arrangements in Asia, the Asian region in the context of the changing geo-political landscape globally, as well as relations between East Asia and Europe, and with Italy in particular. One particular focus of the observatory is on the connectivity agenda between East Asia and Europe, taking into account important developments such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the EU Connectivity Strategy, the Free and Open Indo-Pacific, Transatlantic Relations in the age of Global China and other such initiatives. These developments, occurring in the context of a wider global realignment challenging multilateral institutions and global governance, make it important to study the sustainability of connections between Europe and Asia. The work of the Asian Observatory is dedicated to expanding understanding of international affairs and it aims to contribute to debates about the strategic, economic, societal and culture value of Euro-Asia connectivity, about the sustainability of related policies and infrastructures, and about the governance arrangements of related institutions. The research unit collaborates with various governments and embassies, foundations and academic institutions, to share knowledge and insights and to develop new approaches and strategic analysis to address emerging challenges and opportunities with regards to the Asian region.