Dr Emanuele Fantini is a political scientist specialised in development studies. His research focuses on:

i) the political and moral economy of water governance, looking in particular at the interaction between knowledge/technology and nature in shaping power relations and everyday practices of water management;
ii) the process of state formation in Africa, looking in particular at the relationship between politics, religion and development in contemporary Ehtiopia;
iii) the role of ICT and media in the processes of development and state formation in Sub-Sahara Africa.
On these themes Emanuele has conducted field research both in high-income countries (Italy) and in the “Global South” (Ethiopia, Kenya-Somalia), working at interdisciplinary projects with geographers, historians, economists, anthropologists, media specialists and psychologists.

Emanuele holds a European Master in Human Rights and Democratization from the University of Padua and the University of Maastricht,  and a PhD in Political Sciences from the University of Turin.

Beside academic work, Emanuele has more than 10 years experience in international development cooperation, working both long term and consultancy positions for bilateral agencies (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs), multilateral institutions (UN Habitat), local authorities and NGOs, in Africa (Ethiopia, South-Sudan, Kenya-Somalia and Morocco), the Balkans (Serbia) and Myanmar.

As professional journalist, Emanuele regularly contributes to Italian magazines and newspapers on issues related to water, African politics and human rights.