This list presents a curated selection of experts who are at the forefront of shaping the debate about foreign affairs and defence policies. From seasoned policy advisors and research fellows to senior consultants, these individuals bring a wealth of experience, insight, and strategic foresight to the complex and ever-evolving landscape of international relations. Their work spans across critical areas such as European security, transatlantic relations, emerging technologies in defence, and global geopolitical dynamics, offering invaluable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing nations today. Whether through academic research, policy development, or strategic consulting, each contributor plays a pivotal role in navigating the intricate world of foreign affairs and defense, making their insights essential for anyone interested in understanding and influencing the future direction of global security and diplomacy. Return to the main list here.
Raluca Csernatoni - Research Fellow at Carnegie Europe
Before her role at Carnegie, Raluca explored the implications of military capabilities and dual-use technologies on European security as a postdoctoral researcher. She has also engaged in research on EU technological policies at several prestigious institutions across Europe. Holding a PhD from Central European University, she is a distinguished Research Fellow at Carnegie Europe, focusing on European security, defence, and the intersection of emerging disruptive technologies. She leads research on new technologies for the EU Cyber Direct - EU Cyber Diplomacy Initiative project. As a guest professor and senior expert at the Brussels School of Governance, she contributes her expertise in European security and digital governance. Additionally, she teaches at Central European University on high-tech warfare and is an associate research expert in Peace Tech at the Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution. She has also co-edited a book on emerging security technologies and EU governance. Her work encompasses EU defence and technological policies, digital and cyber initiatives, and the impact of AI on security, showcasing her as a leading voice in the fields of European security and emerging technologies.
Niklas Nováky - Policy Officer at the European Defence Agency
A seasoned EU policy analyst, government relations professional, author, and public speaker, currently serving as a Policy Officer at the European Defence Agency. At this Brussels-based EU agency, he contributes to enhancing the Union's defence capabilities, a continuation of his work at the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies where he led research on European foreign affairs and security policy. He has published extensively on EU policymaking and authored 'European Union Military Operations: A Collective Action Perspective.' He holds a PhD from the University of Aberdeen, specialising in EU security and defence policy, and master degrees in politics and government. Fluent in multiple languages, he is recognized for his contributions to academic journals, media commentary, and international conferences on EU security and defence.
Ionela Maria Ciolan - Research Officer-Foreign Policy, Security and Defence at Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies
Research Officer focusing on European Foreign Policy, Security, and Defence. With expertise in areas such as NATO, Black Sea security, and EU relations with Eastern European countries, she actively contributes to shaping European defence policies an the EPP Think Tank. She has held significant positions including with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and the European Policy Centre, and she is a Re.Think CEE Fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. Holding a PhD with a focus on the EU's Eastern Neighbourhood, her work has been widely published and recognised in the field of international security.
Stefania Benaglia - Head of Foreign Policy Unit at Centre for European Policy Studies
Stefania brings a wealth of experience in European foreign policy, particularly in EU-Asia relations. Her career highlights include leading the Global Connectivity Programme and serving in various senior roles that involve consulting, research, and public diplomacy. Stefania has lived and worked across the globe, including in India, where she focused on EU-India defence cooperation, and has also contributed to the European Commission and NATO Parliamentary Assembly. With an academic background in International Relations and Strategic Studies, including a BA from Bologna University and two MAs from the University of Pavia and SAIS, Johns Hopkins University, Stefania is a recognised expert and commentator on global connectivity and foreign policy issues. She is noted for her involvement in high-level briefings and her expertise in public diplomacy, with significant contributions to the EU's external relations and strategic partnerships.
Benedetta Berti - Head, Policy Planning, Office of the Secretary General at NATO
Benedetta Berti serves as the Head of Policy Planning in the Office of the Secretary General at NATO, where she brings her extensive background as a foreign policy and security researcher, analyst, consultant, author, and lecturer. Her work focuses on key areas such as human security, civil wars, non-state armed groups, and the protection of civilians. Benedetta has a strong presence in the academic and policy-making communities, holding positions such as Visiting Professor at the College of Europe and Associate Researcher at the Institute for European Studies, VUB. She is a TED Senior Fellow and an Eisenhower Fellow, reflecting her significant contributions to international security and humanitarian consulting. With a rich international experience, including work in India, the European Commission, and diverse locations like Israel and the United States, her research spans a broad spectrum from European security and defence to global human security challenges.
Maxime Roclore - Policy Officer at European Defence Agency
Maxime advises the EDA's Chief Executive on defence cooperation and policy shaping, with a focus on cyber security, EU-NATO relations, and third-party engagements. Before joining the EDA, he held positions in the French Ministry for the Armed Forces and served as a Defence Advisor in the French Representation to NATO in Brussels. His professional interests include defence and space technologies, digital advancements, and cybersecurity. Maxime stands as a distinguished expert whose depth of knowledge and international experience significantly contribute to shaping the future of European defence cooperation and policy.
Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss - Managing Director at European External Action Service
Benedikta dedicated her career to promoting peace, security, and defence across the EU. With a deep commitment to fostering dialogue and engagement for maintaining peace and security, she leads a team of 250 colleagues from 27 EU Member States. Her journey includes significant roles within the German Federal Ministry of Defence and notable contributions to NATO, including acting as a liaison officer to the United Nations in New York and serving in Afghanistan. Her dedication to European and transatlantic cooperation, coupled with her expertise in diplomacy and strategic management, marks her as a key figure in shaping the discourse and actions towards a secure and peaceful future for Europe.
Heiko Borchert - Managing Director at Borchert Consulting & Research
With over 25 years of experience, Heiko Borchert is an accomplished senior advisor and analyst specialising in national security and corporate geoeconomics. His work intersects politics, strategic affairs, and technology, aiming to shape the future of security and prosperity. Borchert's expertise spans armaments cooperation, critical infrastructure protection, defense exports, innovation, and more. Notably, as the Co-Director of the Defense AI Observatory and a Senior Research Fellow at the German Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies, he has delved into the implications of artificial intelligence in defence, showcasing his forward-thinking approach. He has contributed to leading journals and serves on editorial boards, reflecting his vast knowledge in geopolitics, strategic affairs, and technology's impact on security.
Bart Szewczyk - Associate at Covington & Burling
Bart Szewczyk is an Associate at Covington & Burling LLP, where he leverages his extensive experience from senior advisory positions in the U.S. government to advise on European and global public policy. His areas of expertise include technology, economic sanctions, trade and foreign investment, business and human rights, and environmental, social, and governance issues. He has a notable academic presence as an Adjunct Professor at Sciences Po in Paris and holds a Nonresident Senior Fellow position at the German Marshall Fund. His previous roles include serving as Advisor on Global Affairs at the European Commission's think tank and as a member of Secretary John Kerry’s Policy Planning Staff at the U.S. Department of State.
Robert Tyler - Senior Policy Advisor at New Direction
Robert Tyler is a Senior Policy Advisor at the think tank founded by Margaret Thatcher to advance the European Conservative Movement. With a background in foreign policy and counter-terrorism, Tyler previously served as a policy advisor in the European Parliament. Tyler is recognised for his contributions to several reports and regularly shares his expertise with various media outlets. His contributions to security and intelligence discussions make him a valuable source of analysis and commentary on pressing global issues.
