20 Questions: Emilia Castelao
Emilia Castelao is a historian currently working towards her master's degree at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna. Her studies focus on chess as a diplomatic tool in modern European diplomacy. Along with her studies, she is a member of the International Chess Federation's (FIDE) historical committee.
1. Favorite Color: Purple
2. Favorite Movie: Pride & Prejudice (2005)
3. Favorite TV Show: Ted Lasso
4. Favorite Musician: Phoebe Bridgers
5. Favorite Food: Carbonara Pasta
6. Favorite Chess Player: Mikhail Botvinnik
7. Favorite Opening: Sicilian Dragon
8. Favorite Time Control: Classical
9. Knights or Bishops: Bishops
10. Hobby other than Chess: Cooking
11. How did you become interested in chess?
I’ve been playing my whole life. When I was younger, my dad taught me how to play. As an undergrad, I was a history major and wrote a few papers about chess and then over the summer, I pitched an article to the history magazine Epoch titled “Pawns and Power.” It was my launching pad into taking chess and its history more seriously.
12. How did you become a member of the Fide Historical Committee?
Last fall, FIDE posted on Twitter saying that Augusto de Muro was the second FIDE president. When it comes to history, I am a stickler about not changing the course of history. After reading the report and not being convinced, I wrote a long letter to the historical committee explaining why I disagreed. In response, FIDE reached out to me and asked if I wanted to join the committee. I think I am the first female member and currently the youngest.
13. What do you do on the historical committee?
Most of my work is reading long reports, analyzing them, and reporting to Willy Icklicki, the committee's chairman, my opinion on the documents. We also have biannual meetings where anyone on the committee can suggest topics to discuss regarding chess history. Currently, we are still trying to settle who the true second FIDE president was. The Royal Dutch Federation recently sent us a detailed report explaining de Muro was, in fact, not the second president.
14. Biggest goal?
Long term, I would love to get involved with initiatives to increase access to chess education for kids, especially girls, and those in disadvantaged communities. Many girls who play chess drop out by the age of 12. Chess and its history are also a great way to get them involved not only with the game but with their academics as well. I also would love to become a professor and publish a book on chess history.
15. Favorite Chess related memory?
I think it was when I went to the 2022 Sunway Chess Festival in Sitges, Spain. It was my first time at a professional tournament, and I met Lula and MrDodgy, and now we are besties!
16. Currently you are a graduate student at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna writing a dissertation on chess as an agent of diplomacy. How did this idea evolve?
I read Botvinnik’s autobiography, “Achieving the Aim,” and was intrigued by how in 1939/1940, he became an agent of the Soviet state. As one of the top men in chess, he was used almost as a tool for propaganda and to spread Soviet culture and dominance at chess tournaments. My dissertation will expand on that. I am looking at how chess culture develops within communities, how people view it, and its relationship with politics.
17. In PAWNS AND POWER, you discuss the power chess has as a diplomatic tool. If someone was interested in reading more about chess history, what books or websites can you recommend?
Most of chess history happens between the lines, especially in the grandmaster’s books of their games. One example is The Brussels Encounter. In its annotations are descriptions of the tournament, players, and even political figures who made the ceremonial first moves. In general, pay more attention to the details written between the lines.
18. Lately we have seen multiple players, like Sara Khadem and Alexandra Kosteniuk, switch federations from dictatorships. What message does that send on a political level?
Both Sara and Alexandra have my utmost respect. I think their defections created a sense of camaraderie within the chess community. When you integrate politics into sports it becomes more digestible and easier to empathize with. In turn, a different relationship is created especially compared to typical diplomatic showcases like the G20 Summit.
19. On your twitter, you often share art that portrays chess in it. What is a favorite piece of yours?
This painting of Ruy López playing Leonardo di Bona in the Spanish royal court painted by Luigi Mussini in 1883.
20. You are headed to the 2023 Tata Steel Tournament. What will you be doing there?
Mostly press related things and doing more research for my dissertation. Tata Steel has an incredibly rich history and I can’t wait to see it. I’m intrigued to see who will play the ceremonial first moves!
Some responses have been abbreviated for brevity and clarity.
