Paolo Acanfora

Paolo Acanfora is an Associate Professor in the Department of History, Anthropology, Religions, Art, and Performance at the University of Rome "La Sapienza" since 2020. His academic career spans various institutions and he has held visiting positions at the University of Barcelona, University of Warsaw, and University of Wisconsin-Madison. He serves on multiple editorial boards and participates in significant research projects related to European history and political Catholicism.

Dr. Acanfora's educational background includes a Ph.D. in History of Modern and Contemporary Europe from the University of Naples "L'Orientale" (2004-2007), a Degree in Political Science from the University of Rome "La Sapienza" (2004), and specialized training in Archive Administration from the Vatican School of Palaeography, Diplomatics, and Archives Administration (2011).

His research focuses on the history of Political Catholicism from national and international perspectives, particularly during the Cold War era, examining the complex relationship between Politics and Religion in mass society. His work explores key themes including Christian Democracy, political Catholicism, mass society dynamics, Cold War politics, Italian history, international organizations, and the role of myth and ideology in political identity formation. Dr. Acanfora has made significant contributions to understanding the evolution of Christian Democratic movements in Europe, particularly in Italy.

Dr. Acanfora's scholarly output demonstrates a consistent focus on the intersection of religion, politics, and international relations in post-WWII Europe, with particular attention to Italian political history. His publications reveal a trajectory that moves from examining specific historical figures and events to broader analyses of political movements, international organizations, and the conceptual frameworks that shaped European integration during the Cold War.

• Fellowship Friends of the University of Wisconsin—Madison Libraries
• Research project promoted by "Edizione nazionale delle Opere di Aldo Moro"
• Grant for research activity in the Luigi Sturzo Institute Archives
• Grant for research activity on Adolfo Sarti's diaries
• Grant for editing the volume "Giustizia, etica e politica nella città"

As an academic advisor, Dr. Acanfora serves on Ph.D. boards for programs including "European Studies" at the University of Genoa and "History and Culture of Europe" at the University of Rome "La Sapienza." His research has been supported by grants from various institutions including the National Research Council (CNR) for the "Portale delle Fonti per la Storia della Repubblica" project. He leads the Sapienza University Project "Europe after the Cold War: Transitions, (in)Stability, and Conflicts (1989-2009)" and participates in international research collaborations such as "Decolonizing World News: A Collaborative Study of the Non-Aligned News-Agencies Pool."

Dr. Acanfora is actively involved with the Altiero Spinelli Center at the University of Rome La Sapienza and serves on the Scientific Committee of Civitas: Forum of Archives and Research on Christian Democracy. His work connects historical analysis with contemporary issues in European integration and global politics.