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Stella Polare

2025 Astra Bocconi

INTERVIEWS:

CamillaRaspinoCdA

“Regardless of the outcome of these elections, I will continue to dedicate myself to improving the student experience at Bocconi ”

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CarmineNardelli “Uccio” CNSUCandidate

“From every person I interact with, I try to take away something positive, something that can stay with me and help me grow beyond this experience ”

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BenitoPiscitelli

“Each year, students from Bocconi University eagerly wait for one of the most exciting and exclusive winter events on the academic calendar Vacanze Bocconiane Organized by Astra Bocconi, this ski trip is a blend of adventure, relax and entertainment, offering a perfect winter escape for both skiing enthusiasts and those simply looking to unwind in a scenic alpine setting ”

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“Our strength comes from truly understanding students' needs, as we strive to be as inclusive and attentive as possible, listening to each student's concerns. We are present in student residences, international programs, law courses, and many other areas ”

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Astra’sHoroscope Special BocconiEdition

✨The stars speak, but you only listen when they say you’ll pass the midterm without studying. ✨

Don’t miss out the next events of the season!

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ASTRACHITCHAT:

Europewakeup!

Europe Wake Up 2025 was not merely a gathering, but a collective awakening The initiative began with SBL, an association championing liberty values among students, believing individuals must develop critical thinking beyond the technical training that dominates universities

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“L’industriamusicalenel tempo”

On March 22nd, Astra organized the conference "L'Industria Musicale nel Tempo," bringing together experts to discuss the evolution of the music industry

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In a fast-paced world driven by efficiency, productivity, and results, creativity often takes a backseat

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Opening the season with Verdi’s La forza del destino, an opera long avoided by artistic directors due to its reputation for bringing bad luck, is undoubtedly a bold statement

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It is no secret that the Baltics have long viewed their eastern neighbor with suspicion. After all, it was only 30 years ago that the last Russian forces left these countries.

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TheSB-1047Billandthequestion ofAIregulationattheUSState level-LAW4AI

California is known for being the home of technological companies like Apple, Google and Meta Due to a mix of universities, research centers, entrepreneurial spirit, and human talent, the state is a hub of innovation Artificial Intelligence (henceforth, AI) is no exception to this

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Ever since the dawn of the EU, the concept of a common defence has, after being rejected by France in 1954, been widely put behind other main priorities of the Union.

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Astra Bocconi

Afewwordsfrom:CamillaRaspino

So, let’s start with some questions that allow students to get to know you a little bit better, what are you doing right now, which course are you attending or what job are you doing if you are working?

I am currently attending a MSc in Transformative Sustainability at Bocconi Alongside my studies, I have been actively involved in student representation through Astra

Beyond studies on the other hand, how did you find these years in bocconi?

Bocconi has been an intense but incredibly rewarding journey Starting my experience here by living in Spadolini residence truly changed everything It allowed me to meet so many amazing people and was also where I first got introduced to the world of student representation

What I found in Spadolini is the same thing I’ve come to appreciate in Bocconi as a whole, a strong sense of community. Despite being a challenging and competitive environment, there’s always an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and support each other, and that’s something I appreciate deeply

Now, let’s get to the point of this interview, what Is the job of the position for which you applied for, so that all the readers can better understand what they are voting for?

The role I am running for is all about giving students a voice and making sure that their concerns and ideas are heard at the institutional level. As a member of the Board of Directors, I would be responsible for discussing and shaping university policies, ensuring that they truly reflect the needs of the student body. It’s not just about addressing problems, it’s about creating solutions that make our university experience better, whether it’s about academic flexibility, student well-being, career opportunities, or campus life The goal is to strengthen the connection between students and the university, ensuring that every decision made reflects the real experiences and challenges of those who live Bocconi every day

It seems pretty intense, what pushed you to apply for this position? And how do you feel about It? Interestingly, I never really applied for this position in the traditional sense Of course, it was something I would have loved to do, for all the reasons we ’ ve discussed: turning student feedback into real change, working to improve university policies, and making Bocconi a better place for everyone

But in the end, it was a decision made by the group It was a collective choice, and that makes it even more meaningful to me. Knowing that the people I’ve worked with and shared this journey with believe in me for this role is an incredible honor, and it motivates me even more to give my best.

Do you already have something in mind that you would like to focus on in the future?

Regardless of the outcome of these elections, I will continue to dedicate myself to improving the student experience at Bocconi My commitment to student representation goes beyond a specific position, what truly matters to me is making a tangible impact Whether through direct involvement in student initiatives, supporting new projects, or simply being a voice for those who need it, I will keep working to ensure that every student feels heard and supported in their academic journey.

We can conclude our interview here, do you have anything to add or some final words you wish to say to the students before leaving us?

I just want to say that your voice matters The changes we push for as students today shape the Bocconi experience for our and future generations. If there’s something you’d like to improve, speak up, get involved, and don’t be afraid to take initiative

Astra Bocconi

Qualcheparolada:CarmineNardelli

Parlando di elezioni, perché hai deciso di candidarti per questo ruolo?

Questi sono ruoli che non si scelgono, non si sceglie di candidarsi per una posizione così importante Proprio per questo sono orgoglioso della fiducia che il gruppo ha riposto in me Questa è anche la chiave di un team vincente

So di essere adeguato ma allo stesso tempo ringrazio anche il gruppo per aver creduto in me

Quali obiettivi speri di raggiungere in caso di elezione?

Sarebbe un ’opportunità per Astra di far riconoscere a livello nazionale il nostro modo di lavorare, grande novità che ritengo siamo riusciti a portare nel panorama della rappresentanza universitaria. Questo ruolo non solo ci permetterebbe di operare a Roma, a stretto contatto con il ministero per portare avanti le nostre istanze, ma offrirebbe anche ad Astra il riconoscimento che merita, sia come realtà consolidata in Bocconi, sia soprattutto come network in continua crescita

In conclusione, secondo te, cosa distingue Astra dalle altre associazioni di rappresentanza?

Siamo simpatici e belli, cosa non banale nel mondo della rappresentanza Come dicevo prima, il nostro modo di lavorare è quello di vivere la rappresentanza in modo giovane, con un approccio veloce e rapido con tante idee e voglia di fare. Non è banale e scontato perché ci sono tante realtà di rappresentanza lente e poco reattive. Noi, invece, puntiamo sulla flessibilità, molto volte una fatica in più ma che fino ad ora ci ha portato tante e grande soddisfazioni

Grazie Uccio, buona fortuna!

Annalisa De Bellis

Astra Bocconi

Afewwordsfrom:CarmineNardelli

Uccio, it's a pleasure to have you with us!

Would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Carmine Nardelli, but everyone knows me as Uccio I’m currently in the first year of my Master’s degree in Marketing, taught in English, after completing my Bachelor’s degree in CLEAM.

Since high school, I’ve always had a strong interest in student representation I started out as a class representative, and during the last two years of high school- marked by the challenges of the pandemic- I served as a course representative, facing even more complex situations

When I arrived at Bocconi, I continued my involvement in student representation from my very first year, becoming a class representative. Then, in my second year, I was elected as the course representative for CLEAM

Around the same time, I actively took part in the founding of Astra, becoming one of its original members

During the 2023 Ele-Bocconi elections, I was the only undergraduate student elected to the Academic Council (Collegio dei Docenti), a result I’m particularly proud of

Beyond the official roles, I’ve played an active part in Astra since its inception, leading the events area After spending the first semester of my third year on an exchange program in Buenos Aires, Argentina, I was elected President of the association, alongside Rocco Totaro

At the end of my term, I continued to support Astra with a more transversal role, staying closely involved in both student representation and organizational initiatives, in order to ensure continuity and growth for the association

You were there when Astra was born; what were those days like?

The early days of Astra were truly extraordinary Looking at what Astra is today and thinking back to two years ago fills me with pride and, at the same time, almost disbelief Back then, Astra was little more than an idea an undefined dream we talked about over pizza and beer. Over time, that dream began to take shape: it became a concrete project, then a tangible reality, and finally a successful one.

I clearly remember those first moments, especially during the election campaign: there were only a few of us, and we had to handle everything from organizing exchange events to coordinating the different teams. Today, instead, I see a well-structured association, capable of managing multiple aspects simultaneously, made up of many motivated people, not only interested in representation but also engaged in events and social activities

This shows that in just two years, we ’ ve managed to convey our values in a genuine way and make them something people can truly embrace And that, to me, is the greatest achievement, far beyond any number of votes we might have received: seeing so many people chasing the same dream with the same energy and passion is something truly special and unique

What has been the most enriching aspect of your experience at Bocconi so far?

What fills me with the most pride is exactly this: knowing that people believe in a project that was started by just a few of us even those who are no longer at Bocconi and those who no longer experience campus life the way they did back then. It’s hard to find the right words to describe this process, something we couldn’t have even imagined just two years ago And yet, somehow, everything came together almost naturally Astra, which was originally just an electoral list, has become a structured, organized association

Today, the projects we once only imagined not only come to life but grow into something even bigger than we expected.

This journey has taught me so much, above all, the importance of being among people, which I believe is the most valuable skill you can have From every person I interact with, I try to take away something positive, something that can stay with me and help me grow beyond this experience.

Astra Bocconi

Qualcheparolada:BenitoPiscitelli

–Tra gli studenti più anziani della Bocconi ti conoscono tutti, ma per i nuovi arrivati che non sanno chi sia Benitoallosport, facciamo prima di tutto una breve presentazione di te Caspita, sapere che c’è qualcuno che non mi conosce mi rattrista. Vabbè, ci provo: mi chiamo Benito Piscitelli, ho 24 anni, e da quando sono entrato in Bocconi ho sempre cercato di fare la mia parte per rendere questa università un posto più vivo, più aperto, più nostro 4 anni fa, al mio secondo anno ero un Benito con sicuramente meno consapevolezza ma con tanta curiosità e altrettanta voglia di fare Durante la prima campagna elettorale è nato il motto benitoallosport, da subito diventato molto popolare in Bocconi che mi ha permesso di arrivare a tantissime persone dentro e fuori l’ateneo. Durante le due campagne elettorali che mi hanno visto cimd frontman mi sono divertito tantissimo e ho conosciuto tra una rosa e una bottiglia di vino regalata, la maggior parte delle persone in questa università

In Bocconi ora sono conosciuto soprattutto quindi per il mio impegno nella rappresentanza e per aver dato vita ad Astra, oltre che per i vari eventi notturni cui credo siate venuti almeno una volta durante la vostra permanenza qui

Da quattro anni sono rappresentante allo sport, anche se due anni fa ero candidato e ho vinto anche al Collegio dei Docenti – ma ho scelto di restare più vicino agli studenti nel quotidiano dove ritenevo di poter dare ancora qualche messaggio e anche per chiudere il cerchio in un modo un po ’ romantico, ovvero dove tutto è cominciato, da Benitoallosport Ho ottenuto il record storico di preferenze singole nella storia dell’università (fatti fuori i vari cda e cnsu), e non per caso: ci vuole costanza e passione nell’ascoltare tutte le persone e creare un rapporto singolare con ognuna e riuscire a rappresentare i bisogni di ognuna

Allo sport ho avuto la fortuna di portare avanti progetti che hanno coinvolto migliaia di studenti, dentro e fuori dalle mura della nostra università, dalla creazione di varie squadre come quella del cheerleading e della pallanuoto così come il progetto intramural e varie altre cose che hanno portato oltre quello che inizialmente era immaginabile, come ad esempio la giornata sportiva contro l’Università di Harvard Non ho mai vissuto la rappresentanza come una carriera personale, ma come uno strumento per costruire, insieme, qualcosa che restasse Oggi guido un progetto che va oltre Bocconi, oltre i confini universitari: Astra è un network, è una visione, ed è la prova che se ci credi davvero puoi cambiare le cose

Pensi ti mancherà l’esperienza della rappresentanza post Bocconi? Cosa ti ha lasciato?

Mi mancherà, certo Ma non la vivrò con nostalgia, bensì con orgoglio. La rappresentanza mi ha insegnato ad ascoltare, a trattare con le istituzioni, a guidare persone, a costruire Mi ha lasciato amicizie vere, notti insonni a scrivere e pianificare progetti, riunioni infinite, ma soprattutto la consapevolezza che la politica studentesca può essere pulita, concreta e appassionante

Mi mancherà il senso di comunità che si crea quando capisci che non sei solo: che c’è un gruppo, una rete, un ’energia condivisa che ti spinge a migliorare le cose

La cosa che custodisco con più orgoglio e che mi ha fatto andare andare avanti è la gratitudine dei ragazzi, le parole degli studenti che ti ringraziano anche solo per averli ascoltati E poi diciamolo: il futuro della rappresentanza è Astra, e io non ho nessuna intenzione di smettere di costruirlo.

Due anni fa sei stato tra i fondatori di Astra Bocconi. Raccontaci un po’ di quest’esperienza Com’era l’aria in quei giorni? Come mai hai sentito il bisogno di allontanarti dalla vecchia associazione e fondare Astra?

L’aria era elettrica C’era un misto di incertezza e consapevolezza, paura e decisione Sentivamo che era il momento giusto per fare qualcosa di diverso Volevamo un ’associazione che non rispondesse a logiche vecchie, che non parlasse per slogan, che fosse davvero costruita dalle persone, e non sulle persone. Ho lasciato la mia vecchia associazione, che avevo contribuito a portare al massimo splendore con rispetto, ma con la certezza che Astra poteva dare voce a chi non si sentiva rappresentato Non condividevo più i modi, i compromessi, le dinamiche interne che allontanavano il gruppo dal suo scopo originario: rappresentare davvero gli studenti. Così ho fatto una scelta difficile ma necessaria Ho fondato Astra per dare spazio ai talenti, per costruire una casa trasparente, indipendente, ambiziosa Il resto è sotto gli occhi di tutti

Astra Bocconi

Qualcheparolada:BenitoPiscitelli

Nel corso di questi mesi hai ampliato molto il network di Astra Bocconi, portando Astra in molte altre realtà universitarie. È stato difficile? Qual era il tuo obiettivo nel creare questo network?

Credo molto nelle persone e con loro è nata Astra E È stato sì difficile ma mai creduto impossibile perché ho sempre avuto la consapevolezza che facciamo le cose nel modo migliore in cui possono essere fatte e lo spirito che abbiamo è in ogni persona, va solo tirato fuori e siamo bravi e convincenti nel farlo. L’entusiasmo è in tutti ma è dispersivo e noi siamo il miglior contenitore che si possa trovare.

Quando hai una visione chiara e una squadra motivata, niente è fuori portata Il mio obiettivo era creare un network che superasse i confini tra atenei, tra città, tra mondi diversi Volevo che uno studente della Bocconi potesse confrontarsi con uno della Cattolica, della IULM, del San Raffaele, e ora anche con realtà estere, spingendoci oltre dove E che insieme potessero costruire iniziative, progetti, rappresentanza vera

Ogni nuova università è una nuova storia, nuovi studenti, nuove sfide L’obiettivo non era “espanderci” per contare di più, ma per unire, per dare spazio a chi spesso non si sente parte di nulla o chi ha tanta energia ma non sa dove e come incanalarla.

E oggi, quando vedo studenti di atenei diversi lavorare insieme sotto il nome di Astra, capisco che quella scelta era giusta

Non siamo più un ’associazione: siamo una costellazione di talenti

Quali speri possano essere i prossimi obiettivi di Astra Network? E di Astra Bocconi?

Per Astra Network il prossimo passo è la conquista del Nord-Ovest alle elezioni CNSU, e poi l’espansione nazionale Vogliamo portare nei luoghi decisionali la voce di chi non si accontenta Per Astra Bocconi invece il traguardo è rivincere il CdA e consolidare la leadership con progetti innovativi per la vita studentesca, il dialogo con l’amministrazione e il sostegno concreto agli studenti. Sempre con lo stile che ci contraddistingue: ambizione, competenza, e voglia di fare

Astra Network deve diventare un punto di riferimento nazionale Non per visibilità, ma per visione Vogliamo portare nei tavoli istituzionali una voce nuova, indipendente, che parli davvero degli studenti. A Bocconi, invece, il nostro obiettivo è continuare a meritare la fiducia che ci è stata data Fare bene, insieme

Quali speri possano essere i prossimi obiettivi di Astra Network? E di Astra Bocconi?

Astra Bocconi

Afewwordsfrom:BenitoPiscitelli

Among the older students at Bocconi, everyone knows you, but for the newcomers who don’t know who Benitoallosport is, let’s start with a brief introduction of yourself

Wow, knowing that there’s someone who doesn’t know me makes me sad. Well, I’ll try: my name is Benito Piscitelli, I’m 24 years old, and since I entered Bocconi I’ve always tried to do my part to make this university a livelier, more open, more of our own place

Four years ago, in my second year, I was a Benito certainly with less awareness but with a lot of curiosity and just as much drive During the first election campaign, the motto Benitoallosport was born, which immediately became very popular at Bocconi and allowed me to reach many people inside and outside the university During the two election campaigns where I was the frontman, I had a lot of fun and met, between roses and bottles of wine given away, most of the people at this university

At Bocconi I’m now mainly known for my commitment to student representation and for having created Astra, as well as for the various nightlife events which I believe you ’ ve attended at least once during your time here.

For four years I’ve been the sports representative, although two years ago I was also a candidate and won a seat on the Academic Senate – but I chose to stay closer to the students in their daily lives, where I felt I could still deliver some messages and also close the circle in a somewhat romantic way, that is, where it all began, with Benitoallosport I achieved the historic record of individual preferences in the history of the university (excluding board members and national councils), and not by chance: it takes consistency and passion to listen to everyone and create a personal connection with each person to truly represent their needs

In sports, I’ve had the fortune to carry out projects that involved thousands of students, inside and outside the walls of our university, from the creation of various teams like cheerleading and water polo to the intramural project and many other initiatives that went beyond what was initially imaginable, such as the sports day against Harvard University. I never saw representation as a personal career, but as a tool to build, together, something lasting Today I lead a project that goes beyond Bocconi, beyond university boundaries: Astra is a network, a vision, and proof that if you really believe, you can change things

Do you think you’ll miss the experience of student representation after Bocconi? What has it left you with?

I’ll miss it, of course But I won’t look back on it with nostalgia, rather with pride Representation taught me to listen, to deal with institutions, to lead people, to build. It left me with true friendships, sleepless nights writing and planning projects, endless meetings, but above all the awareness that student politics can be clean, concrete, and exciting

I’ll miss the sense of community that comes when you realize you ’ re not alone: that there’s a group, a network, a shared energy pushing you to make things better

The thing I treasure most and that kept me going is the gratitude of the students, the words of those who thank you just for having listened to them And let’s be honest: the future of student representation is Astra, and I have no intention of stopping building it

Two years ago, you were among the founders of Astra Bocconi Tell us a bit about that experience What was the atmosphere like in those days? Why did you feel the need to leave the old association and found Astra?

The atmosphere was electric There was a mix of uncertainty and awareness, fear and determination We felt it was the right time to do something different We wanted an association that didn’t follow old logics, that didn’t speak in slogans, that was truly built by the people, not on the people. I left my old association, which I had helped bring to its peak, respectfully, but with the certainty that Astra could give voice to those who didn’t feel represented I no longer agreed with the methods, the compromises, the internal dynamics that took the group away from its original purpose: to truly represent students So I made a difficult but necessary choice. I founded Astra to give space to talent, to build a transparent, independent, ambitious home. The rest… is there for all to see

Astra Bocconi

Afewwordsfrom:BenitoPiscitelli

If you had to send a message to the candidates running with you in these elections, what would it be?

I would just say this: believe in it Be brave

We talk about ambition: don’t be afraid to raise the bar

We started from something relatively “simple”: a group of people coming together to create an association, and we went through Italy’s most important institutional halls like the Senate, the Lombardy Region building, Brussels, events in various universities with packed classrooms and important guests, we set up a DJ set in the middle of Bocconi University to the notes of “Figli delle stelle” with various stands offering food, drinks and more; we requested and obtained permits for a crazy event in Parco Sempione collaborating with big organizations, hosting ten thousand people in the park, snow holidays with 1000 people and so much more To do all this we need the students’ legitimacy This is obtained by having the necessary seats in the various representative bodies and therefore by winning these two big challenges this year: electing Camilla Raspino to the Bocconi Board of Directors on April 14 and 15, and Carmine Nardelli – for everyone, Uccio – to the National Council of University Students on May 14 and 15. These elections are not just a vote, they are a cultural challenge Today at Bocconi, tomorrow across Italy The difference between those who dream and those who build lies entirely in action And with Astra, we act Per Aspera, ad Astra

Tommaso Magnani

Astra Bocconi

Qualcheparolada:FrancescoTorello

Benvenuto Francesco; perchè non ci racconti qualcosa su di te, per iniziare?

Mi chiamo Francesco Torello, frequento il terzo anno CLEAM Sono nato ad Avellino e vivo a Montoro, un paesino di provincia tra Avellino e Salerno, però mi sono trasferito a Parma quando avevo 15 anni e ho finito là le scuole superiori per motivi sportivi, in quanto sono stato campione italiano di pugilato e una società mi ha ospitato là pagandomi il convitto per un anno. Dopo la permanenza a Parma e dopo alcune considerazioni fatte sull’agonismo mi sono reso conto di dover portare avanti il mio business familiare, al quale sono molto legato fin da piccolo; quindi, mi sono iscritto all’università Bocconi per potermi specializzare nella gestione d’impresa e nel controllo aziendale

Sei alla guida dell'associazione come presidente Come descriveresti questa esperienza finora? Quali grandi sfide hai affrontato?

L’esperienza affrontata finora è stata senz ’altro molto formativa in quanto per guidare un ’associazione di rappresentanza o comunque un ’associazione non profit è necessario coinvolgere tante persone, capire come motivarle e come far esprimere loro il massimo potenziale Questa potrebbe essere la sfida più grande che ho affrontato, ovvero fare in modo che tutti quanti si sentano partecipi e fare in modo che il loro operato sia qualcosa che a loro interessa davvero e che fanno con piacere

Quando hai deciso di candidarti alla presidenza? Cosa ti ha spinto a voler ricoprire questo ruolo? Ho deciso di candidarmi alla presidenza mentre ero in Argentina I motivi che mi hanno spinto a ricoprire questo ruolo sono molteplici Parto col dire che sono in Astra da quando è stata fondata, da quando eravamo solo trenta persone in un operativo, quindi la presidenza è un ’esperienza che volevo affrontare ancor di più di cariche di rappresentanza, in quanto mi interessa tanto l’aspetto associazionistico, perché attraverso una buona struttura associazionistica si riescono a fare tantissime iniziative concrete e si riesce effettivamente a portare un valore aggiunto allo studente. Oltre a ciò, anche il poter esercitare la mia leadership e il poter essere al vertice del coordinamento delle persone è anche essa stessa una sfida che sto affrontando e che mi ha portato a prendere questa decisione

Quali sono i principali obiettivi che ti sei posto per questo semestre? C'è qualche progetto in particolare su cui stai lavorando?

Uno degli obiettivi principali che ci siamo posti è stato anzitutto chiudere un bilancio in positivo per vacanze bocconiane e far sì che queste fossero l’evento del taglio che ci aspettavamo e fortunatamente ci siamo riusciti Oltre a questo, ci eravamo preposti di arrivare forti e con le spalle larghe alle elezioni e penso che lo stiamo facendo, quindi sono molto contento di ciò. Mentre si sta sviluppando la lista, e quindi la parte più elettorale, l’associazione non si sta fermando e di questo ne sono molto fiero, in quanto vanno avanti conferenze, eventi, continuano ad uscire dispense; quindi, il supporto allo studente continua ad essere presente

Astra ha già una sua identità consolidata. Quali cambiamenti o miglioramenti vorresti portare all'interno dell'associazione?

Parlare di una serie di cambiamenti sostanziali è un po ’ difficile per come la vedo io, però spero e penso che nei prossimi anni attraverso un ricambio generazionale sempre più veloce e attraverso una concessione di spazi sempre maggiore ai ragazzi più giovani, appena entrati all’università, che hanno voglia di fare e di mettersi in gioco, Astra può riuscire ad arrivare veramente alle stelle grazie ad un coinvolgimento dei profili che noi stessi riteniamo capaci e che si affiancano alla nostra associazione

Quali sono, secondo te, i punti di forza di Astra rispetto ad altre associazioni studentesche?

I punti forti di Astra rispetto alle altre associazioni studentesche possono essere il fatto che Astra non è solamente un gruppo di amici, bensì un gruppo di persone complementari tra di loro, che passano del tempo insieme e si aggregano per arrivare a qualcosa di concreto per lo studente. Il tutto attraverso una comprensione del bisogno dello studente, in quanto penso che riusciamo ad essere quanto più capillari possibili e ascoltare tutte le necessità di ogni singolo studente Siamo infatti presenti nell’ambito delle residenze, dei corsi internazionali, dei corsi di giurisprudenza e in molti altri ambiti

Astra Bocconi

Afewwordsfrom:FrancescoTorello

Welcome Francesco, why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself first?

My name is Francesco Torello, and I am in my third year of CLEAM. I was born in Avellino and live in Montoro, a small town between Avellino and Salerno. However, I moved to Parma when I was 15 and completed high school there for sports-related reasons, as I was an Italian boxing champion A sports club hosted me there, covering my boarding expenses for a year After my time in Parma and some reflections on competitive sports, I realized that I needed to focus on my family business, which I have strongly attached to since childhood Therefore, I enrolled at Bocconi University to specialize in business management and corporate control

You are leading the association as president How would you describe this experience so far? What major challenges have you faced?

This experience has certainly been very formative. Leading a representative or nonprofit association requires engaging many people, understanding how to motivate them, and helping them reach their full potential This has probably been the biggest challenge I have faced, ensuring that everyone feels involved and that their work is something they truly care about and enjoy doing

When did you decide to run for president? What motivated you to take on this role?

I decided to run for president while I was in Argentina There were several reasons behind this decision First of all, I have been part of Astra since its foundation, back when we were just thirty people in an operational group This made the presidency an experience I wanted to take on even more than representative roles, as I am particularly interested in the association aspect With a well-structured association, it is possible to carry out many concrete initiatives and truly add value for students. Additionally, the opportunity to exercise my leadership and be at the forefront of coordinating people is a challenge that ultimately led me to make this decision.

What are the main goals you have set for this semester? Are there any specific projects you are working on?

One of our main goals was to close a positive balance for Vcanze Bocconiane and ensure that the event met our expectations, which, fortunately, we achieved. In addition, we aimed to approach the elections strong and wellprepared, and I believe we are doing just that, which makes me very happy Meanwhile, even as the electoral process develops, the association is not slowing down, and I take great pride in this Conferences, events, and the publication of study materials continue, ensuring that student support remains constant

Astra already has a well-established identity. What changes or improvements would you like to bring to the association?

I find it difficult to speak of significant changes, but I hope and believe that in the coming years, through an increasingly rapid generational turnover and by providing greater opportunities for younger students those just starting university, eager to contribute and challenge themselves Astra can truly reach new heights This can be achieved by involving individuals whom we recognize as capable and who align with our association’s values.

What are Astra’s strengths compared to other student associations?

Astra’s strengths, compared to other student associations, lie in the fact that it is not just a group of friends but rather a group of complementary individuals who spend time together and collaborate to create something tangible for students. Our strength comes from truly understanding students' needs, as we strive to be as inclusive and attentive as possible, listening to each student's concerns We are present in student residences, international programs, law courses, and many other areas I believe Astra’s added value is its ability to achieve concrete results without unnecessary conflicts with the administration, ensuring that students' real needs are met through well-researched proposals based on their feedback

Astra Bocconi

AstraChitchat:TheNewAstraPodcast

The vibrant university environment has always been the heartbeat of academic life. Student associations, events, and initiatives contribute to creating a dynamic and engaging community. From this spirit of collaboration, Astra Chitchat was born the first official Astra podcast, designed to give students and their representatives a platform to speak in an informal, direct, and engaging way

A New Format for the Student Community

The first episode of Astra Chitchat was hosted by Carlo Pagliula, former president of Astra, and Anya Shani, a member of the media department. Their goal? To create a space for authentic dialogue, where key figures of university life can share their stories without filters

The guests of the inaugural episode were Guerino Figlino, current student representative on the board of directors, and Camilla Raspino, a candidate for the same position

Two well-known faces in the university’s student scene, ready to share their experiences, anecdotes, and perspectives on student representation.

Between Election Campaigns and Association Life

The conversation quickly turned to one of the hottest topics in student life: the election campaign Guerino shared his personal experience, from the moment of his candidacy to the hectic days of competition, revealing the challenges and rewards of being a student representative Camilla, on the other hand, discussed her motivations for running, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and the opportunity to improve the university experience for all students

One of the most entertaining moments of the podcast was the story of an incident during a past election campaign: an Astra

member, while putting up promotional stickers at night, was stopped by the police, who were suspicious of his actions A testament to how dedication to the association can lead to unexpected situations!

Future Projects and Fun Facts

But the podcast did not only focus on elections Future ideas and projects were also discussed Guerino imagined a multifunctional space for students, a relaxation and gaming area that could become a true meeting point within the campus. An ambitious idea, but perfectly aligned with Astra’s innovative spirit. The informal tone of the podcast also gave room for moments of lightheartedness For example, we discovered that Guerino has an unusual skill: he can speak backward, reversing the words of a sentence in real time! A surprising talent that left everyone speechless Finally, a

fun challenge was proposed to the listeners: would they be curious to see Guerino undergo a stylistic transformation? The idea of dyeing his hair red was put on the table A social media poll might decide his fate!

An Engaging Experience for All Students

The first episode of Astra Chitchat proved that the podcast can become a key reference for the student community Thanks to a mix of serious discussions, behind-the-scenes insights, and moments of pure entertainment, the format promises to be an unmissable event The podcast will be available on a regular basis, featuring new guests and fresh topics to explore Students will have the opportunity to interact, suggest

subjects, and actively contribute to content creation Now, all that remains is to wait for the next episode and discover what Astra Chitchat has in store for us!

https://youtu.be/lskc y nYN4?si=cKjuquw0 SwBQfla

https://open spotify com/show/6GV8VKEhgzqYrRLIEwIzuA

Schembri

Astra Bocconi

L’industriamusicaleneltempo:AJourneyThroughTechnology,

Audience,andMedia

IOn March 22nd, Astra organized the conference "L'Industria Musicale nel Tempo," bringing together experts to discuss the evolution of the music industry. The event was moderated by Greta Nasi, professor of public management and policy, and featured Federico Cirillo, label director at Islands Records Italia; Paola Cacciarelli and Giovanni Malacarne from Amazon Music; and Alessandro Quagliata, chief editor at Esse Magazine Each speaker shared insights on the transformation of music in the digital age

Federico Cirillo opened the discussion by recounting his professional experience, which began about ten years ago when music downloads were the primary method of accessing songs. He highlighted how the transition to streaming, with platforms like Spotify, completely transformed the industry, altering not only how users access music but also the business model of the recording industry

One key point Cirillo addressed was the phenomenon of Generation Z and the shift in career aspirations: "In the past, a young person with a certain background wanted to become a footballer; now they dream of being a rapper." This statement underscores how music has become a more accessible industry thanks to digital tools, fostering a new creative cycle where distribution occurs predominantly through streaming platforms A notable example he mentioned was the success of "Andiamo a comandare" by Fabio Rovazzi, one of the first songs released exclusively on digital platforms, marking the beginning of a trend that has seen the growing dominance of streaming

Paola Cacciarelli and Giovanni Malacarne from Amazon Music delved into the role of streaming as an amplifier of music distribution They emphasized how collaborations with record labels have created an ecosystem where creators, social media, and streaming platforms work together to reach audiences

significant example they provided was the cover songs from

Music, demonstrating how streaming not only enables greater accessibility to content but also serves as a crucial showcase for both emerging and established artists

Alessandro Quagliata from Esse Magazine focused on the transformation of music audiences He asserted that "there is no single audience, but rather many artists," emphasizing how today's variety of content allows different audience segments to find their preferred music. Before 2016, Quagliata explained, there were "latent audience segments," meaning groups of listeners who lacked legal and convenient access to digital music consumption. With the rise of streaming, illegal downloads have significantly decreased since platforms have made music access more advantageous and immediate. In this context, iTunes acted as a precursor to modern streaming platforms, offering a purchase model that eventually paved the way for subscription-based consumption as the primary method.

A crucial point raised by Federico Cirillo was the distinction between artists and influencers. He stated that "a musical idea is necessary; an influencer trying to be an artist won't work." In other words, while a true artist uses music to convey a message, an influencer may simply exploit social media trends for visibility without a real artistic vision Paola Cacciarelli cited the case of Lucio Corsi, an artist with virtually no social media presence who, through the strength of his musical message, still manages to achieve significant amplification via digital platforms This illustrates how music can still maintain its autonomy and value, regardless of an artist’s social media presence

Sanremo 2025, now available on Amazon

Astra Bocconi

L’industriamusicaleneltempo

Alessandro Quagliata then addressed the role of media in today's music industry He explained that Esse Magazine adopts a unique strategy: avoiding direct criticism and instead focusing on fostering critical thinking among the audience According to Quagliata, "if I engage in criticism, I look like a loser," emphasizing the idea that the role of music media today is not to judge but rather to provide tools to understand and analyze the contemporary music scene This approach reflects a broader shift in music journalism, where traditional reviews give way to more interactive and engaging content aligned with the new ways audiences consume information

Federico Cirillo concluded the conference by raising a crucial issue: the impact of artificial intelligence on music He expressed concern about AI's potential to replace artists, leading to excessive standardization in music production He provided concrete examples of how AI is already intervening in the creative process: "I want to test this demo with my own voice, so I let AI do it for me " This scenario raises important questions about the future of musical creativity and the need to regulate AI usage to ensure that art remains an authentic human expression.

The conference, organized by Astra, offered an in-depth look at the transformations in the music industry in recent years From the revolution of streaming to the role of social media, from audience shifts to the distinction between artists and influencers, and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, the discussion highlighted how the music world is constantly evolving While new technologies have made music more accessible and have fostered greater artistic diversity, critical questions arise about the industry's future and the need to balance innovation with artistic authenticity It will be interesting to see how the music industry continues to develop in the coming years, facing both challenges and opportunities in the digital age.

Federica Leaci

Astra Bocconi

The Production Lab offers various resources tailored to different creative needs The Multipurpose Room is ideal for auditioning actors, script readings, and team collaborations, while the Lounge and Main Space provide open environments for brainstorming and working on individual projects With seating for up to 65 people, modular furniture, and even a digital piano, these spaces are adaptable to any artistic endeavor

For those interested in sharing their work with a wider audience, the Events Program at the Production Lab enables students to host film screenings, readings, open mic nights and more. By creating a space where structured and informal creativity can coexist, NYU fosters an environment where ideas can evolve into tangible projects

The value of creative spaces

Whether in a bar in Brooklyn or an academic setting in Greenwich Village, the existence of these creative spaces underscores an important truth: while creativity may not always be prioritized in mainstream work culture, those who seek out the right environments can still cultivate and celebrate it Events and communal spaces like these remind us that creativity is not just an abstract concept, it is something that thrives when given the right conditions

In an era where output is often valued over process, finding the time and space to create is an act of resistance and self-expression Whether for professional development, artistic fulfillment, or personal well-being, these creative hubs in New York City prove that there is always a place for innovation and imagination.

Laura Mirella Corbella

Astra Bocconi

TeatroallaScala:BehindtheCurtains Unveilingthemagicofthisoperaseason-BSO

Then again, I might be a little biased. Meyer jokingly suggested that if you want Juan Diego to repeat the famous aria, you’d better show him the warmth of the audience, which, for one, I most certainly will come October

Opera is not affordable, or is it?

Let’s debunk the myth that opera and Teatro alla Scala is too expensive for young students La Scala’s Under30 Pass is a €10 purchase that gives you access to a series of completely free events, ranging from open rehearsals for operas, ballets, and symphonic concerts throughout the season, to guided tours of the theatre’s museum and unique events organized for the young community, along with discounts and last-minute promotions. La Scala’s Opera Under30 Subscription starts at €85 for four operas (€21 per opera), including both Tosca and Così fan tutte One of the best features of this subscription is that you get to be among the first to purchase tickets for the Under30 Previews in December, one of the greatest cultural events for young people in all of Europe, which cost €20 for any seat in the house

Milano per la Scala’s Giovani membership, priced at €100 for those under 35, gives free access to rehearsals for every opera and ballet of the season with a guest, as well as unique events like the dinner at the theatre following this year ’ s Under30 preview of La forza del destino, which I had the pleasure of attending Unironically, it took me a while to realize that I actually enjoy the operas I attend much more once I understand what’s going on The theatre organizes a free introduction to each opera in Ridotto Toscanini, as well as other free presentations Milano per la Scala organizes entertaining and insightful sessions with Prof Sartorelli to deepen your understanding of the operas Worth mentioning is also Filarmonica della Scala’s Generazione Filarmonica, an Under30 subscription offering 5 concerts for €100 (€20 per concert) with any seat in the house.

Finally, thanks to Teatro alla Scala’s cultural promotion service, Sig Roberto Bossi in particular, the Bocconi Students Opera Society, one of the most thriving and exciting student associations at our university (and I might be biased on this since I founded it in 2022), organizes for Bocconi students to attend operas at a price of €30 for box seats, as well as ballet, symphonic concerts, free rehearsals and fun social events

Astra Bocconi

TheSB-1047BillandthequestionofAIregulationattheUSState level-LAW4AI

California is known for being the home of technological companies like Apple, Google and Meta. Due to a mix of universities, research centers, entrepreneurial spirit, and human talent, the state is a hub of innovation Artificial Intelligence (henceforth, AI) is no exception to this As more companies develop their AIs, regulations try to keep pace California has been one of the first US states to do so The state’s legislative process follows a series of steps, after which, the proposed bills get sent to the Governor, who can sign it, allow the bill to become a law without signing it or veto it.

Only in the last case does the bill not become a law. In the last months, several AI bills have been signed into law in California, including AB-3030, which requires healthcare providers to disclose when they use Generative AI to communicate with patients, AB-2905, which makes robocalls inform that they are using AIgenerated voices, or AB-1831, that includes content generated by AI systems as child pornography

As seen with the examples, the laws do not focus on a single sector or activity but rather try to be as comprehensive as possible

Among the bills sent to be signed by the Governor of California, one has stood out among the rest: SB-1047

Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act The AI community in California is not a homogenous bloc On the one hand, Open AI, and groups representing Meta, owner of Facebook, and Google, opposed it on the grounds that it would be bad for AI development. On the other hand, Elon Musk, one of the founders of Open AI who later left the company due to disagreements with the direction of the company, and AI scientists such as Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio defended the need for the regulation provided by the bill They cited the risks presented with AI models and the need for companies to implement safeguards. Apparently, the arguments presented by the opposing parties were more compelling, since the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, vetoed the law, preventing it from entering into force Among the measures proposed by the bill, the most controversial ones were making companies liable for harms made by AI models and forcing companies to introduce a “Kill switch” for AI systems. The implicit threat made by the opposing parties to this bill is that they would consider relocating somewhere else where these restrictions were not in place Jason Kwon, OpenAI’s Chief Strategy Officer, warned about this in a letter sent to Senator Scott Wiener, one of the authors of the SB-1047 Bill. This situation poses a conundrum for California’s regulators: to regulate or not to regulate, or rather, up to which point to regulate, to avoid overstepping the mark

f they put very strict requirements and safeguards, some companies might choose to move to other US states where the regulation about AI is looser or nonexistent, with the laissez-faire approach applying to a greater degree Since the companies would still be present in the US, the state could do little to prevent them from doing so. It is also true that few states offer the advantages of California, or that the enterprises might not end up carrying out the threat, with few or no relevant companies moving out Some relevant companies have left the state in the past, with the expansive regulation of the state being cited as one of the reasons4 Examples include Fortune 1000 companies like McKesso, a pharmaceutical distributor, oil companies like Chevron, or technological ones such as Tesla or Oracle Hence, even though not all companies would leave, some of the relevant ones could, affecting the state’s position as a “tech hub” and frontrunner in innovation The other alternative is not regulating AI or watering down the legislation, making compliance easier. This, in theory, would prevent an exodus of companies to other states, preserving the role played until now by California This option, however, does not seem to be preferred by the state’s legislators, since they have previously passed several pioneering regulations. However, a fact remains. California’s Senate or Assembly are not the European Commission, meaning that they do not regulate a territory as big as the EU This obvious fact, however, is not always taken into account when

crafting legislation If the EU enacts legislation, companies have a much bigger incentive to comply They can threaten to leave, but then they lose access to 16% of world GDP and a mature market5. If companies were to leave California, they would need to find new offices and relocate workers, but apart from that, which is more logistical than economical, there would not be many more relevant effects

Thus, the basic question remains: up to what point can California legislate without companies leaving the state in search of kinder ones?

Astra Bocconi

TheSB-1047BillandthequestionofAIregulationattheUSState level-LAW4AI

The veto of this particular bill alone does not mean much, but seeing the trend followed by companies that did end up leaving the state and the federal situation, in which no relevant laws comparable to the ones in California have been passed, might indicate that the state can’t do much else to regulate AI comprehensively. That is, without risking an exodus of leading companies. This view may be shared by Gavin Newsom, who despite pressure from legislators, might decide to wait for the new President to enact federal legislation, eliminating the incentive for companies to relocate within the US. Only time will tell what happens Perhaps no new laws similar to the SB-1047 Bill will be passed in California, perhaps an amended or watered-down version will pass, or maybe the new USPresident might decide to regulate it federally The lesson is that regulating a matter such as AI is not as straightforward as in other areas, since companies might relocate relatively easily to avoid the strictest legislation Thus, a need for international cooperation to regulate it is highly needed to avoid fragmentation and a cherry-picking of countries by enterprises based on how loosely they regulate AI

Sources:

Overview of Legislative Process (2019) Ca gov http://www leginfo ca gov/bil2lawx html T Howell, & B R Allen (2024)

Decoding California’s Recent Flurry of AI Laws [Review of Decoding California’s Recent Flurry of AI Laws] https://www foley com/insights/publications/2024/10/decoding-california-recent-ai-laws/ Allyn, B (2024, September 29)

California Gov Newsom vetoes AI safety bill that divided Silicon Valley NPR https://www npr org/2024/09/20/nx-s15119792/newsom-ai-bill-california-sb1047-tech Rhim, R (2024, April 23)

The Corporate Departure from California SCBC; SCBC https://www scbc-law org/post/the-corporate-departure-from-california Eurostat (2020) China, US and EU are the largest economies in the world https://ec europa eu/eurostat/documents/portlet file entry/2995521/2-19052020BP-EN pdf/ bb14f7f9-fc26-8aa1-60d4-7c2b509dda8e

Bernat Baella

Masuet

Astra Bocconi

CommonEuropeanDefense-EG

Ever since the dawn of the EU, the concept of a common defence has, after being rejected by France in 1954, been widely put behind other main priorities of the Union In 2014, following the Russian annexation of Crimea, there has been a resurgence in the need of a European military, intensified by the first mandate of Trump in 2017, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and very recently, the radical declaration of the Trump administration regarding the EU and NATO

So, it is now very clear that a common organized European defence is more needed than ever. Moreover, the future German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has declared that a European military independence from the USA would be a top priority, a drastic change from the last German administration Emmanuel Macron has always advocated for this project, Germany was only the missing component It is then safe to say that we will witness a progress in European strategic independence from the US in the upcoming years. But to what extent, and how could the EU manage such an achievement? The details of the European plan for strategic independence will be unveiled on the 19th of March through a White Paper It is impossible to predict the next European actions, but we can look at the possible outcomes and the major obstacles.

After the end of the second world war, European states had to rely on the new American superpower to effectively protect themselves against the USSR by relying on the US nuclear umbrella. At the end of the Cold War and the creation of the European Union, it was widely believed that major wars would no longer shake the old continent, and that NATO was enough to keep Europe safe. Today, 50% of NATO’s military power comes from the US, with more than a hundred thousand soldiers stationed in Europe The USA are widely considered as the glue that is essential for the coordination of all the member states of NATO Its logistical abilities, strategic leadership and intelligence power are unmatched within the Pact So, to become strategically independent from the US, Europe needs to find another “glue” and centralize its commandment to facilitate large scale cooperations As of today, the European policies are far from enough to secure military independence from the USA A geopolitical

study from the Brugel Institute shows that to successfully deter a Russian attack on a NATO member, the US would send 200 000 additional soldiers in Europe, for a total of 300 000 soldiers backed by their central commandment, their massive air support and satellite coordination So, the European Union would need at the very least 300 000 active soldiers, that is, if they can manage a way to centralize their commandment If not, they would need to increase that number to compensate for the lack of coordination As for equipment, current studies (that might be not relevant anymore) show that the number of armoured vehicles and artillery required to compensate for an eventual leave of the US exceeds the capabilities of France, Italy and Germany combined. To take an example, the EU declared it would send a million artillery shells to Ukraine by 2023, and that goal was achieved several months later. Is a common European defence achievable then? Yes, but it would take a lot of political and economic investment and be only possible over the medium term This week, we have seen the exceptional 800-billion-euro EU defence plan that consists in a 150 Bn euros loan dedicated mainly to the purchase of European armaments, and a rise of defence spending in all European countries Now comes another major problem: is it wise to spend more by unlocking funds or focus on spending more efficiently? Indeed, it has been proved that by investing in economies of scale and increased standardisation, the EU could reduce its production costs by almost 15% (Source: McKinsey) So, the EU not only needs to spend more, it also needs to spend more efficiently Finally, if Europe wants to secure its independence from the US in the long term, it needs to invest in military production and the member states should stop any purchase of military equipment from the US, focusing on buying equipment produced by European companies

Astra Bocconi

CommonEuropeanDefense-EG

That way, military production could significantly increase in an economically viable way For example, Denmark announced a massive rearmament plan that includes the purchase of anti-aerial artillery. To make progress for the EU, Denmark should invest in SAMP/T models developed by France and Italy. Such common programs between European countries to develop military equipment are the solution to resolve the economy of scale problem Of course, it is still much more efficient and practical to buy American equipment, hence the “medium term” requirement: long term investments and focus on European joint productions could lead to a profitable and large-scale European military production that could truly compete with the US on all levels

We have seen that a common European defence leading to strategic independence from the US is an achievable project, though it would require a huge political and economic investment But the Russian threat keeps growing larger and action is more than needed The recent declarations of Donald Trump’s administration are very alarming for Europe, but they can be considered as an opportunity to seize as they represent a way of forcing European leaders to take concrete actions In fact, this geopolitical emergency was enough to convince Germany that NATO wasn’t enough to protect its borders A political will is very much required, but we have seen in the past that when both France and Germany agree on a project, its chance of being achieved increases significantly.

Fonts: -https://wwwbruegelorg/analysis/defending-europe-without-us-first-estimates-what-needed?utm

source=subst ack&utm medium=email -https://wwwforcesoperationscom/amp/un-duel-samp-t-ng-vs-patriot-au-danemark/ -I also interviewed a journalist working in Bruxelles, specialized in EU foreign affairs: Olivier Baube

Hyppolite Baube

Astra Bocconi

TheBalticplantowinthewarthathasyettocome-ALEPH

Hedgehog Defense

The Baltics have much to be concerned about With a combined population of only 6 million people, their resources, both in terms of manpower and funds, are severely limited Unlike most Western armies, the Baltic

countries adhere to a concept of total defense, mobilizing their entire populations for the war effort

While in most NATO members the fighting is left to the small professional armies, the total defence model establishes that during the war, every available

While NATO provides a broader framework for regional security, the Baltic model emphasizes self-reliance and rapid mobilization as a first line of defense Despite this, their militaries, while exceeding expectations thanks to their reserve forces, lack significant monetary resources This has forced them to focus on essentials, foregoing

upgrading the more minute details of the equipment Lithuania and Latvia reintroduced national conscription in 2014 and 2022, respectively Previously, Baltic defense strategies emphasized maneuver warfare and guerilla campaigns to weaken

Your paragraph text resource must be part of the country’s defence

Estonian

advanced military technology. Without a sizable navy, air force, or tank fleet, the Baltic countries have adopted a defensive strategy that has been christened as “Hedgehog”. This strategy relies primarily on light infantry forces that will dig in and hold their positions against overwhelming odds until NATO allies, particularly the United States, are able to rally their troops and reinforce the region Since 2014, the Baltic militaries have undergone significant changes, from revising the very core principles of total defense to

No Room for Mistakes

occupying forces until NATO allies gather enough strength to reliberate the Baltics

This model has now been reworked The Russo-Ukrainian war has established that giving up territorial control would be too costly, both for the civilians and for the soldiers that need to re-liberate those areas

Moreover, in the eyes of Baltic politicians the probability of political deadlock over decisions to liberate Baltics, if they get occupied, is too great. Increased military spending over the last decade has allowed the Baltics to upgrade their equipment, and since 2022 the focus has increasingly shifted towards static warfare, including the use of long-range weapons. Lessons learned from the war in Ukraine have led all three countries to invest heavily in medium and long-range weapons capable of targeting supply bases and troop concentrations beyond the frontlines

The Baltics suffer not only from a lack of resources but also from limited strategic depth For example, during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russian forces reached the Kyiv suburb of Obolon approximately 100 kilometers from the border within 24 hours In the Baltics, 100 kilometers spans half the width of the country and includes five of the region’s ten largest cities

Nowhere is this weakness more on display than in Lithuania The Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, is located less than 35 kilometers from the Russo-Belarusian border, far closer than the distance between any of the major Ukrainian cities and the Russian border Even without crossing the border, Russian forces could target Vilnius, the biggest city of Baltics, with artillery fire Lithuania shares nearly 1,000 kilometers of border with Belarus and Kaliningrad While the Kaliningrad border largely follows rivers, offering some natural defense, the rest of Lithuania’s border is a patchwork of small forests and open fields Most of Lithuania’s population resides in a corridor between these states, which would likely bear the brunt of an invasion aimed at cutting the vital Suwałki Gap.

Figure 3:

conscripts during trench construction training

Astra Bocconi

TheBalticplantowinthewarthathasyettocome-ALEPH

Wars to Come

Plans for a defensive line against Russia reflect the historical distrust in the Baltics towards their larger eastern neighbor This adversarial stance is to all intents and purposes confirmed by the aggressive posture taken by Russia and wars fought in Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova Baltics, which cannot afford the luxury of defence in depth, have now decided that the threat of Russian aggression has reached the level of the 1930s In the eyes of the Baltic states the lack of manpower and resources in these small countries necessitate the construction of this defensive line as a force multiplier Only time will tell if these fears are justified or if these fortifications mark the end of centuries of conflict over this small seaside region

Bibliography

-Estonian Ministry of Defence National Defence Development Plan 2031 https://riigikaitsearengee/2031/en/ ://wwwkaitseinvesteeringudee/en/baltic-defence-line-2/

-Latvian Ministry of Defence Border Fortification https://wwwmodgovlv/en/border-fortification

-Abromaitis, Ž (2024, November 2) Baltijos šalys braižo gynybos linijos kontūrus: bunkeriai ir kontrmobilumo priemonės LRTlt https://wwwlrtlt/naujienos/pasaulyje/6/2402507/baltijos-salys-braizo-gynybos-linijos-kontur us-bunkeriai-ir-kontrmobilumo-priemones

-Piirimäe, K (2017) Preparing for War in the 1930s: The Myth of the Independence War and Laidoner's "active defence" Estonian Yearbook of Military History, 7 (13), 116-150 -Treufeldt R (2010) Laidoneri liin kui Narva tabalukk Tehnikamaailm 5 60-63

-Laar, M (2006) Sinimäed 1944: II maailmasõja lahingud Kirde-Eestis Tallinn: Varrak

-Institute for the Study of War Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment February 25 2022 https://wwwunderstandingwarorg/backgrounder/russia-ukraine-warning-update-russianoffe nsive-campaign-assessment-february-25-2022

-Sargslv/LRTlt (2024 February 5) Igaunijas aizsardzības spēku komandieris: Baltijas aizsardzības līnija nelīdzināsies Mažino līnijai https://wwwsargslv/lv/viedoklis/2024-02-05/igaunijas-aizsardzibas-speku-komandieris-baltij as-aizsardzibas-linija

-Askew J (2023 May 17) Ex Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev claims Baltic countries belong to Russia Euronews https://wwweuronewscom/2023/05/17/russias-dmitry-medvedev-claims-baltic-countries-bel ong-to-russia

Kaspar Sõukand

You wake up motivated at 8:00 for your 8:30 class, but by 8:15, you ’ re already back the covers, calling it a “strategic sleep recovery ” Mars pushes you to take the midterm with zero preparation but Saturn suggests bowing out gracefully You opt for the general exam, but beware Jupiter hints that even in May, the night before the final, you’ll still be at TOM

Venus favors love for food, so be careful not to blow your monthly budget at Ciccio Matto or Baobing just because you “studied so much today and deserve it” (spoiler: you studied for 30 minutes) Your determination is incredible: you can wait 40 minutes in line for a library seat but won’t spend 5 on an office hour Don’t tempt fate by choosing to study at Castiglioni your chances of ending up scrolling Instagram are higher than the ECB interest rate

Your dual personality emerges when you claim you ll study at Castiglioni but end up spending three hours on TikTok, flipping between investment videos and AI-generated animals Mercury blesses you with the perfect rhetoric for student elections, but sadly, no one wants to hear about representation at dinner If someone tells you they haven t decided who to vote for yet,” they’re just trying to escape the conversation without hurting your feelings Saturn advises you to accept defeat with grace and stop spamming WhatsApp groups

2025 Astra Bocconi April

Astra’sHoroscope–SpecialBocconiEdition

✨The stars speak, but you only listen when they say you’ll pass the midterm without studying. ✨

You re emotional but not enough to cry when you realize your syllabus has another 200 slides You’ll find comfort in a watery vending machine coffee and the support of your study buddies who promptly ghost you the moment you ask for notes This week, Neptune foresees an existential crisis in the library as you watch the endless line for the Italian menu at the cafeteria and wonder if any of this makes sense Spoiler: it doesn’t, but at least you didn’t have to cook

Your ego tells you that you can skip class and still get a 30 but reality suggests a solid 18 and a retake in September Your confidence is impressive you manage to convince yourself and others that “grades don’t matter,” yet you still join four associations and list “problem-solving skills” on LinkedIn just in case The stars suggest finding a balance between charisma and actual studying because recruiters won’t be swayed by your leadership aura if your CV is empty

Your relationship with productivity is complicated: on one hand you have a perfectly organized Notion with three study plans; on the other, you procrastinate until the very last minute before a deadline Pluto suggests a mindset shift, like starting assignments before it’s too late but we both know that s not happening Be careful not to get sucked into the

perfectionism trap, or you’ll spend three hours reviewing the same slide without absorbing anything

Eternal indecision: study in the library or the bunker? You end up queueing for both and by the time you decide, the day is over Karma will get back at you with a “bonus slide” on the exam The stars predict that this week, your need for balance will be tested by a deadly trade-off: taking handwritten notes to feel like a model student or using your laptop and ending up online shopping

You tackle exam season with the intensity of a hedge fund manager in crisis You keep telling yourself, “It’s just an exam, ” but deep down, you know it’s a global financial event If only you used this energy to study instead of strategizing conspiracy theories about grade distributions Be careful not to get sucked into useless academic drama like which professor is better or which course has the toughest syllabus In the end, the only universal truth is that everyone suffers just in different ways

The ultimate Bocconi free spirit: you skip midterms to “enjoy life,” only to end up taking all your exams in the summer session cursing your own spontaneity Jupiter pushes you to sign up for ten networking events for the free catering, but Pluto reminds you that you’ll have to pretend to care about a 40-minute corporate speech If you want advice from the stars: at least have

a strategy that’s not just pure improvisation

You’re the reason others feel inadequate: syllabus covered, notes already written, and you ’ ve even asked a professor about your thesis But relax a little working before graduating is not the flex you think it is Mars suggests that you should consider having a social life, but we both know your idea of socializing is study groups with people who can’t wait to start working in consulting

Innovative and unconventional, you ’ re the one who picks electives just for the cool title

Then you realize “Cryptocurrencies and the Future of Finance” is just advanced Excel, and your tech revolution dreams are crushed by the harsh reality of spreadsheets Uranus advises you to stop looking for courses that will “change your life” and focus on the ones that will at least get you through the semester

Sensitive and easily distracted you discover there’s an exam the day before the final You attempt a desperate 12-hour “ power study” session, but your attention span lasts only 20 minutes before you find yourself on LinkedIn reading existential posts The stars advise: accept your fate and try again next session At best, you can hope for a cosmic miracle like a special exam sitting no one knows about

Carlo Pagliula