Xi’an Jiaotong Liverpool University | China
Dr. Alessandra Cappelletti is an Associate Professor at Xi’an Jiaotong–Liverpool University in Suzhou, China, and a distinguished scholar in the fields of Chinese domestic policy, international relations, and cultural diplomacy. Her academic career blends extensive research, leadership in higher education, and active participation in global academic networks. With a strong background in Oriental languages, international studies, and socio-political research, she has developed an influential voice on China’s soft power, global positioning, and the socio-economic dynamics of minority regions. She has held numerous leadership and administrative roles, directed cross-cultural research initiatives, and contributed to major academic collaborations bridging China, Europe, and Central Asia.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Cappelletti holds a dual PhD in Eastern and Southern Asian Studies and Law with a specialization in Ethno-Sociology from the University of Naples “L’Orientale” and Minzu University of China. Her doctoral research focused on the socio-economic development of Xinjiang, particularly in Kashgar and Shihezi. She also completed postgraduate specialization in Diplomatic and International Studies at the University of Padua, supported by a scholarship from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Her academic journey began with a BA and MA in Oriental Languages and Literatures, majoring in Classical Chinese, from the University of Venice “Ca’ Foscari.” Additionally, she has been awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education by the University of Liverpool and is a Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy, reflecting her commitment to academic excellence and pedagogical innovation.
Experience
In her current role as Associate Professor in the Department of International Studies at Xi’an Jiaotong–Liverpool University, Dr. Cappelletti leads modules across undergraduate and postgraduate programs, supervises BA, MA, and PhD dissertations, and mentors research projects on topics including China’s soft power, public diplomacy, and international policy frameworks. She has served as Head of Department, managing substantial budgets, recruitment, faculty development, and fostering institutional partnerships. Her administrative experience includes securing research grants, developing Erasmus Plus agreements, curating lecture series, and coordinating strategic initiatives within the university.
Beyond her core academic post, she has been an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the XIPU Institution, a member of editorial boards, and a consultant for cultural and academic projects. Her professional journey spans teaching and consultancy roles across Europe and China, including the Confucius Institute at the University of Rome “La Sapienza,” LUISS Guido Carli University, and various cultural organizations. She has organized academic exchanges, cultural tours, and international conferences, and has represented her expertise in both scholarly and public policy forums worldwide.
Research Interest
Dr. Cappelletti’s research encompasses China’s domestic and foreign policy, global positioning, and cultural diplomacy. She has a particular focus on national minorities, especially in Xinjiang, exploring historical, socio-economic, and political transformations in peripheral regions. Her work also examines the role of soft power in China’s global engagement, public policy implementation, and the sociology of narrative in international relations. She actively engages in research on the Belt and Road Initiative, its impact on Central Asia, and the intersections between cultural diplomacy and economic development. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates political science, sociology, and area studies, enabling nuanced analysis of China’s role in the evolving global order.
Awards and Grants
Dr. Cappelletti has secured competitive research funding from institutions including the Italian Trade Agency and Xi’an Jiaotong–Liverpool University’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fund. These grants have supported projects on China’s martial arts and international relations, the Chinese automotive industry, and soft power strategies. Her professional recognition includes fellowship in the UK Higher Education Academy and invitations to speak at leading universities and think tanks worldwide. She has been invited to contribute to high-profile international conferences, government consultations, and interdisciplinary research workshops, highlighting her impact both within academia and in policy-making circles.
Publication
The mobilization of ‘capabilities’ as an idea and practice in today’s China: From appropriation to exclusion of Uyghur identities
Authors: Alessandra Cappelletti
Journal: Central Asian Survey
Year: 2025
Perceptions of China’s soft power: exploring the cognition wall through the case of the Confucius Institute
Authors: Yuxuan Han, Alessandra Cappelletti
Journal: Humanities and Social Sciences Communications
Year: 2025
Multinormativity of a place: the ‘meaning system’ of Ordam Mazar and its relevance as ‘global cultural heritage’
Authors: Alessandra Cappelletti
Journal: International Journal of Cultural Policy
Year: 2025
Managing the COVID-19 Pandemic in China: A Biopolitical Approach
Authors: Evangelos Fanoulis, Alessandra Cappelletti
Journal: China Report
Year: 2025
The leader and the people
Authors: Evangelos Fanoulis, Alessandra Cappelletti
Journal: Journal of Language and Politics
Year: 2023
Losing centrality and socialization of Islam in Suzhou: Memories, identities and positionality around the city mosques
Authors: Alessandra Cappelletti
Journal: Contemporary Islam
Year: 2023
Conclusion
Dr. Alessandra Cappelletti stands out as a dynamic academic leader and an accomplished researcher whose expertise bridges the worlds of Chinese studies, global diplomacy, and international education. Her career reflects a dedication to deep cross-cultural understanding, innovative scholarship, and the creation of collaborative platforms between China and the wider world. Whether through her leadership in academic departments, her contributions to scholarly discourse, or her engagement in public diplomacy, she continues to influence the field of international studies with insight, rigor, and an enduring commitment to fostering global dialogue.