one of the most well-known Italian sociologists, is the managing director of CESNUR, the Center for Studies on New Religions, in Torino, Italy. He is the author of some 70 books on new religious movements and religious pluralism. In 2011, he served as the Representative of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) for combating racism, xenophobia, and intolerance and discrimination against Christians and members of other religions.