Meet our diverse roster of international experts, thought leaders, and practitioners. Discover the unique insights and experiences each guest brings to our discussions on global risk, security, and geopolitics.
Barbara Kelemen studied in China (Peking University) and London (LSE), earning a double degree in International History. She has specialized in international security and relations, focusing primarily on China and its relations with the Middle East. After graduating, Barbara joined MERICS but then decided to join the private intelligence sector where she has now been…
Julia Ebner is an Austrian researcher, author, and leading expert in extremism and radicalisation studies, based in London and Oxford. Born and raised in Vienna, Austria, she developed an early interest in extremism during her academic career. Her educational background is extensive and international, completing her undergraduate studies with both a BA in Philosophy and…
Lara Kristjánsdóttir is an analyst at 2Secure, specialising in strategic advisory and international risk management. With a background in security studies and crisis management, Lara provides organisations with strategic guidance to develop and refine robust risk management structures. Through Lara’s expertise, she helps clients effectively identify, analyse, and mitigate risks, empowering them to pursue growth…
Sander van der Linden, Ph.D., is Professor of Social Psychology in Society and Director of the Cambridge Social Decision-Making Lab in the Department of Psychology at the University of Cambridge. He has won numerous awards for his research on human judgment, communication, and decision-making, including the Rising Star Award from the Association for Psychological Science…
Jacob Ware is a distinguished expert in contemporary extremist movements and domestic terrorism, currently serving as a Research Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. His work focuses on the critical intersection of far-right extremism, digital radicalisation, and national security, providing crucial insights into emerging threats to democratic institutions. As an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown…
Bruce Hoffman is one of the world’s foremost authorities on terrorism and counterterrorism strategy, bringing nearly five decades of expertise to the analysis of extremist movements. As a Senior Fellow for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security at the Council on Foreign Relations, he provides critical insights into evolving security threats facing democratic institutions globally. Currently serving…
Our guest on this week’s episode – titled ‘How Russia Capitilises on Crises’ – is Dr. Stepan Stepanenko, a distinguished expert on Eastern European affairs, international relations, and defence policy. Dr. Stepanenko currently serves as the director of Forward Strategy Ltd., a UK-based political relations and media consultancy, and as Director of Research at the…
Dr. Elizabeth Pearson is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Lead for the MSc in Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Studies at Royal Holloway, University of London, and co-director of the Conflict, Violence and Terrorism Research Centre (CVTRC). She is an Associate Fellow with the London-based think tank RUSI, the Royal United Services Institute, and with the International…
Juan de Dios Cincunegui is Director of CIDEIPP, the International Centre of Parliamentary Studies, Research and Foresight at the School of Politics, Government and International Relations of Universidad Austral in Argentina. As a university professor, he directs the International Program on Parliamentary Diplomacy. He has dictated classes at ISEN (the Diplomatic Training School for Argentina)….
Waqar Rizvi is a Canadian-Pakistani journalist, strategic consultant, and media expert with over 17 years of global experience in geopolitical analysis, AI ethics, and media research. He holds a Master’s degree in Media Ethics from the University of Sussex, combining academic rigour with hands-on expertise in journalism, policy consulting, and digital media. Currently, Rizvi leads…
