Paolo Gheda

Paolo Gheda serves as Associate Professor of Contemporary History at the University of Valle d'Aosta's Department of Economic and Political Sciences, specializing in international and Italian history with emphasis on socio-political and religious institutions. His research spans Northern Irish Troubles, Commonwealth dynamics in Africa (particularly South Africa during Apartheid), Christian Democratic Party figures, and the interplay between civil and ecclesiastical dimensions in national identity formation.

• PhD in 'Peoples, Cultures and Religious Confessions in the Modern and Contemporary Age' (Catholic University of Milan, 2004)
• Degree in History of Philosophy (Catholic University of Milan, 1993)

His scholarly work examines religious institutions' political roles, border regions' historical development, and European integration processes. Current projects focus on Commonwealth-Africa relations and Christian Democratic intelligence policies. Gheda directs two academic series: 'Chaiers d'Histoire, Politique, Economie' (Emile Chanoux Foundation) and 'Spirituality and Human Promotion' (Rubbettino).

His publication trends reveal consistent engagement with ethno-religious conflicts, border studies, and institutional history, particularly examining how religious actors navigate political transitions. Recent works increasingly address post-Apartheid reconciliation and Commonwealth legacy in contemporary African politics.

• President of SOCINT's Aosta Valley chapter
• Member of SISSCo's Archives and Libraries Commission
• University Library Commission member
• Quality Delegate for Department of Economics and Political Sciences

Gheda has advised PhD candidates at University of Bologna and coordinated numerous international conferences on contemporary history topics. His academic leadership includes directing research centers and organizing seminars on European integration, religious history, and border studies. He actively participates in scholarly networks including SISSCo, EuARe, and CIVITAS, with recent engagements focusing on Ukraine-Russia conflict historical contexts and European identity formation.