Mate SZALAI

Mate SZALAI is a Research Fellow at the Research Institute for International Studies of Ca' Foscari University of Venice. His work focuses on international relations, global politics, and strategic studies with an emphasis on smaller states, regional dynamics in the Middle East, and the evolving roles of entities like the Visegrád countries. His recent publications analyze topics such as the strategic narratives of smaller states during conflict, GCC-China relations in a multipolar world, and the economic landscape of Kuwait.

Research Interests:

• International Relations and Global Governance
• Strategic Narratives of Small States
• Geopolitical Dynamics in Eurasia and the Middle East
• Visegrád Countries' International Positioning
• Energy and Economic Diplomacy

Publications Trends: His articles from 2023-2024 highlight analysis of asymmetric relationships between global powers and smaller states, the evolving foreign policies of monarchies, and the economic strategies of Gulf Cooperation Council members. The 2024 focus on Visegrád countries examines their status-seeking behaviors post-2004 EU accession.