Maria Cristina Paciello

Maria Cristina Paciello is an Associate Professor in the Department of Asian and North African Studies at Ca' Foscari University of Venice. Her work centers on the History of Islamic Countries, with a focus on political economy, gender dynamics, youth mobilization, and EU-Mediterranean relations. She is actively engaged in research and teaching, with a strong publication record in leading journals and policy reports.

Her research interests include the political economy of Arab countries, gender and labor issues, youth exclusion, and the ideological contributions of female Islamist figures such as Zaynab al-Ghazālī. She investigates how trade liberalization, neoliberal reforms, and EU policies impact social justice and human rights in the Arab world, often adopting a decentring, bottom-up analytical framework.

Her recent publications span topics such as working-class women in Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia; the life and thought of Zaynab al-Ghazālī; youth transitions in the Mediterranean; and critical assessments of EU foreign policy. These works reflect interdisciplinary engagement across history, political science, sociology, and development studies, with recurring themes of social justice, resistance, and inclusive policy-making.

Scientifically, she has contributed to major research projects like MEDRESET and Power2Youth, producing policy recommendations and academic insights. Though no formal awards are listed, her influence is evident in her extensive collaborations and policy-oriented outputs.

Maria Cristina Paciello advises on youth and labor issues, often in collaboration with researchers such as Daniela Huber and Daniela Pioppi. She has led or contributed to numerous research grants focused on EU-Mediterranean relations, youth exclusion, and social movements. Her work is supported by institutions like the German Marshall Fund and the Institute of International Affairs.

She is affiliated with research teams focused on Mediterranean studies, political economy, and gender in the Arab world. Her projects often involve transnational collaboration and aim to produce inclusive, reflexive policy frameworks for EU engagement in the region.