The project aims to analyze the secession of South Kasai, a pivotal yet still under-explored episode within the broader Congolese crisis of the early 1960s. In doing so, the research will strive to consider both neo-colonial dynamics and distinctly local factors specific to the Kasai region.
On one hand, by examining the substantial support offered to the secession by Belgian authorities, major diamond companies active in the area, and the proponents of the other Congolese secession—that of Katanga—the project seeks to contribute to the debate concerning the neo-colonial elements of the crisis. On the other hand, in light of the crucial role played by local actors, the project also aims to advance the important discussion regarding African agency. Indeed, two of the most significant underlying reasons for the secession can be traced to interethnic tensions and high-level power struggles related to access to political power and resources.
Overall, the research activity seeks to shed light on a still little-known yet central episode of the tumultuous post-colonial Congolese period, thereby improving the understanding of one of the most significant political crises of the 1960s—a crisis whose far-reaching consequences were felt not only within Congolese borders but also on a regional and international scale.

The project aims to understand and explain the cooperation between Italy and West Germany in addressing political violence and terrorism from a historical perspective, focusing on the period from 1960 to 1980. It examines how the institutions—particularly the Ministries of the Interior—of both countries perceived, defined, and shaped the concept of terrorism, analyzing its evolution within legal, political, and security frameworks. The study also explores bilateral dialogues and new forms of collaboration, with a particular emphasis on "social revolutionary terrorism." Special attention is paid to militant groups such as the Red Brigades and the Red Army Faction, highlighting cross-border interactions and shared security concerns. A significant part of the research examines the issue of South Tyrol, considered a source of political tension in Italian–German relations, and its influence on diplomatic exchanges, which led to new forms of political and law enforcement cooperation. Understanding the historical trajectory of this bilateral cooperation will provide valuable insights into the current limitations and opportunities of German–Italian cooperation within the European context.