As I submit this Thesis document I can't help but feel the need to express deep gratitude to my personal, academic and professional circle. Know that even if I don't explicitly mention you here I am deeply grateful to be surrounded by such a strong and ample network of support, be it academic, intellectual or emotional. To begin from the start (pardon the redundancy), my parents, my sister Irina and my girlfriend Patri, are undeniably the unwritten heroes of this story. I wish everyone got to experience what unconditional support and belief in someone means, like they show me with every little step I make. Thank you for letting me be part of a family that is living proof that geographical distance has no agency over love. Also, for showing me the power of ideas and helping me maintain my faith in them. It truly is an honour to be able to share my journey with you all, and to be able to consider you my friends above all else.