Michele Collazzo is a Ph.D. student in Political and Social Sciences at the University of Bologna, Italy, focusing on the cooperation between the European Union and African Union in tackling the root causes of conflicts. He holds a Master’s degree in EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies from the College d’Europe, Belgium, and a Bachelor’s degree from L’Orientale University in Naples. He has garnered practical experience at the European Union Delegation to the U.S.A., the International Crisis Group in Brussels and at the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) in Rome. In his hometown in the Basilicata region, Italy, Michele has for years co-organised an international jazz festival, showcasing his dedication to music and cultural events.