Francesca Ghiretti

Francesca Ghiretti is a researcher at the Department of War Studies, King’s College London, affiliated with the Centre of Grand Strategy under the School of Security Studies. Her work spans economic security, geoeconomics, and the intersection of trade with international relations.

• PhD in War Studies (King’s College London) with a thesis on Chinese FDI securitization in the EU
• Holds the Leverhulme Scholarship and Outstanding Thesis Award

Research interests focus on EU-China relations, foreign direct investments, and securitization theory, with a particular emphasis on Italy-China dynamics and the Belt and Road Initiative. Her publications highlight trends in Western economic security strategies, regulatory frameworks for FDI, and China's expanding geopolitical influence through infrastructure and trade.

Key scientific recognitions include the Leverhulme Scholarship and Outstanding Thesis Award. She has contributed extensively to policy debates on EU-China relations and economic coercion mechanisms.