Alessandro Rippa

Alessandro Rippa, an associate professor at the University of Oslo and the principal investigator of the 'Amber Worlds' project, delves into the complexities of the global amber trade. He discusses how amber serves as a lens to examine pressing issues like extractivism and environmental crises. The conversation uncovers the roles of China in amber's distribution and its ties to conflict in Myanmar’s Kachin State, highlighting the socio-political implications of this 'conflict stone.' Rippa's insights reveal unexpected connections between a tiny gem and global turmoil.