Bio
Maria Arvaniti is Adjunct Professor at SAIS Europe
Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, University of Bologna
Professor Arvaniti works on a variety of applied theory topics, mostly related to environmental applications. Her current research focuses on behavioral anomalies such as temptation preferences and present bias, the strategic aspects of such problems and the design of optimal policies. She also works on topics related to environmental agreements and strategic delegation as well as the optimal management of natural resources in the presence of regime shifts. Maria received her PhD in Economics from the University of Warwick and has a Bachelor degree in International and European Economic Relations from Athens University of Economics and Business
Courses
- Environmental Economics
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the economic concepts underlying environmental challenges, with special attention to the political dynamics that shape environmental policy at both domestic and international levels. Understanding climate change requires not only grasping its scientific and economic dimensions but also analyzing the complex interplay of political interests, power structures, and international negotiations. Through this lens, we will explore how countries with diverse priorities and capabilities navigate environmental policy-making, cooperate or compete on global agreements, and address issues such as equity, enforcement, and strategic behavior. Students will engage with key topics including market failures, cost-benefit analysis, and policy instruments, enriched by case studies on international climate agreements, geopolitical tensions around carbon regulation, and emerging issues like geoengineering. This course prepares students to critically assess environmental economics through the prism of international relations, offering the analytical tools necessary to understand the global politics of sustainability
