Freek Loves

Freek Loves is a Researcher at the Department of History, European University Institute (EUI), Florence, Italy. As a 2023 cohort member, his research focuses on the history of capitalism, global economics, and transnational history, with a regional emphasis on Southeast Asia and China.

His research explores Chinese commercial capitalism in Southeast Asia, analyzing financial systems of Chinese entrepreneurs in Batavia (1642-1660) under the supervision of Giorgio Riello and Glenda Sluga. Recent work includes an article on VOC perspectives of Mauritius and Madagascar (2025), examining Dutch colonial dynamics in the Indian Ocean during the 17th century.

While no scientific awards are listed, his research intersects with global economic systems, early modern trade, and comparative imperial studies. He is part of the EUI's vibrant academic community focused on interdisciplinary historical research.