Marco ZAPPA

Marco ZAPPA is an Associate Professor at the Department of Asian and North African Studies, Ca' Foscari University of Venice. He holds the National Scientific Qualification (ASN) as Associate Professor in the 10/N3 sector. His research focuses on East Asian international development, urbanization, Japan’s contemporary politics, and Asia-Europe relations. He coordinates the Global Asian Studies (GAS) minor at the Ca' Foscari International College and is a member of the Marco Polo Center’s scientific committee.

Education:

• PhD in Asian and African Studies (Ca' Foscari) and Southeast Asian Studies (Humboldt University of Berlin), 2017
• Master's in Languages and Economic/Legal Institutions of East Asia, Ca' Foscari, 2012
• Bachelor's in Asian and African Languages/Cultures, University of Turin, 2009

Research Interests:

• Urbanization and territorial politics in East Asia
• Japan’s foreign policy and Indo-Pacific strategy
• Smart city development and special economic zones
• Asia-Europe diplomatic and economic relations

Recent Activities:

• Organized international workshops on urban studies and Korean/Japanese history
• Participated in projects like the EU-Japan Strategic Partnership analysis and EUTOPIA Young Leaders Academy
• Presented at major conferences (EuroSEAS, EAJS, NAJS)

Teaching:

• Master’s courses in Japanese language and Asian studies
• Undergraduate courses on Japanese history and international relations
• Coordinator of Global Asian Studies programs

Grants & Funding:

• €13,050 for organizing the 2024 Critical Area Studies workshop
• PhD scholarship (2013–2016)

Professional Affiliations:

• European Association for Japanese Studies (EAJS)
• Association for Asian Studies (AAS)
• Editorial boards of journals like Annali di Ca’ Foscari and Asia Maior