Hilde Henriksen Waage is a Research Professor at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) and a Professor of History at the University of Oslo . With a focus on Middle East conflicts , peacebuilding , and US foreign policy , she has led major projects like No Peace in Sight? The United States and Afghanistan (2020–2024) and The Geopolitics of Syria’s Reconstruction (2019–2020). Key Research Areas: Mediation in hostile conflicts US-PLO dialogue facilitation Oslo Peace Process legacy Gaza ceasefire analysis Israeli-Palestinian power asymmetry Notable Publications: 2022: Analysis of Sverre Lodgaard’s peace research journey 2021: Geopolitical challenges in Syria’s reconstruction 2018: Critique of Palestinian-Israeli negotiation failures 2013: Historical conflict patterns in the Middle East 2006: Lessons from Norwegian peacekeeping in the Middle East Awards: Admitted to the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters (2017) Media Engagement: Provided expert analysis on Gaza ceasefire (ABC News, 2025) Commented on Israel’s political instability (Dagbladet, 2025)
Beverley Loke is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of International Relations at the Coral Bell School of Asia and the Pacific, The Australian National University. She previously held roles as a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Oxford and a Lecturer at the University of Exeter. Her research focuses on great power politics, China’s foreign policy, and the evolving Indo-Pacific order, with a critical lens on global knowledge hierarchies and decolonizing International Relations (IR). She holds a BA (Hons) from the University of Melbourne, and an MA and PhD from ANU. Her work interrogates the dynamics of hegemonic ordering, Sino-American relations, and the geopolitical implications of China’s rise. She co-edits the Routledge ‘Identity, Worldviews and Ideology in Global Politics’ book series and has been a Visiting Fellow at Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. Her recent scholarship explores themes such as coalition-building in the Indo-Pacific, decolonizing IR epistemologies, and the political ramifications of China’s pandemic response. Key contributions include analyses of strategic ambiguity in US-China relations and the role of knowledge production in global power structures. Awarded Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy, her research has been published in top journals like the European Journal of International Relations and China Quarterly. Collaborations span institutions globally, reflecting her interdisciplinary and transnational approach to studying international order and power dynamics.
Gilbert Achcar is a Professor of Development Studies and International Relations at the Department of Development Studies, SOAS University of London. He holds a PhD in Social History/International Relations from Paris VIII University, alongside earlier degrees from institutions in France and Lebanon. His career includes teaching and research roles in Beirut, Berlin, and Paris before joining SOAS in 2007. His research focuses on globalisation, global power relations, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the sociology of religion, and revolutionary movements. Notable works include The Clash of Barbarisms , Perilous Power (co-authored with Noam Chomsky), and The New Cold War . His books have been translated into 20 languages, addressing themes like the Arab uprisings, US foreign policy, and the geopolitics of conflict. Dr. Achcar supervises PhD students such as Anne-Marie Misconi (on Iraqi Orientalism) and Bryony Wolff (on Egypt and Turkey’s political economy). He actively engages with contemporary issues like the Gaza crisis and the Syrian conflict, offering critical analyses of neoliberalism, global power structures, and revolutionary processes. His work bridges academic scholarship with public discourse on pressing geopolitical challenges.
Mario Esteban is a Senior Fellow at the Elcano Royal Institute and Full Professor at the Autonomous University of Madrid, where he directs the Centre for East Asian Studies. His academic work spans EU-East Asia relations, China's domestic and foreign policy, and global governance dynamics. Education: Ph.D. in Political Science, Autonomous University of Madrid MSc in Asian Politics, School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London) His research focuses on international norm diffusion in China's Belt and Road Initiative, EU-China strategic trust, and global governance reforms amid US-China competition. Recent projects include analyses of China-Western aid norm interactions and climate cooperation fragmentation. Selected publications (2018–2025) reveal a trajectory in international relations theory, China's regional engagement, and EU diplomatic challenges. Key themes include normative convergence/divergence, Mediterranean geopolitics, and multilateral sanctions frameworks.
Sophia Besch serves as a Senior Fellow in the Europe Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and teaches as an adjunct lecturer at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Her expertise centers on European defense policy, with particular focus on transatlantic relations, German defense policy, and the EU's role in European security architecture. She frequently contributes to major policy discussions on European strategic autonomy and defense integration. Dr. Besch holds a doctorate in European Studies from King's College London, and additional degrees from Sciences Po Paris and the London School of Economics. Her academic background provides a strong foundation for her work analyzing European security challenges and transatlantic relations. Her research interests span European defense policy, international security, transatlantic relations, German foreign policy, and subsea infrastructure security. She has published extensively on European defense integration, the geopolitical implications of subsea cable infrastructure, and the evolving transatlantic security relationship. Her work often examines how European nations can enhance their defense capabilities while navigating complex relationships with the United States. Dr. Besch's recent publications reveal a strong focus on European strategic autonomy, particularly in the context of changing US commitments under potential Trump administration policies. She has produced significant work on subsea cable security, European conscription models, and German defense policy shifts following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Her research consistently addresses how European nations can strengthen their defense capabilities while maintaining transatlantic cooperation. As a regular commentator in major media outlets including Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, and Politico, Dr. Besch has established herself as a leading voice on European security issues. She has served as an expert witness for the UK House of Commons Defence Select Committee, the German Bundestag EU Committee, and the European Parliament Subcommittee for Security and Defence. Dr. Besch has been affiliated with several prominent research institutions, including the Centre for European Reform (CER) in London and Berlin, the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies, and the Atlantic Council's Europe Centre. She is also a member of the Atlantik Brücke Young Leaders program, which fosters transatlantic dialogue and cooperation.
Professor Luca Anceschi is a faculty member in the Department of Central & East European Studies at the University of Glasgow, where he holds the title of Professor of Eurasian Studies (Political & International Studies). He joined the university in 2013 and became a full professor in 2021. His research focuses on post-Soviet Central Asia’s foreign policy, Eurasian energy geopolitics, and personalist rule. Anceschi previously held a Discovery Early Career Fellowship at La Trobe University (2012–2013) and currently edits Europe-Asia Studies , a leading journal for post-socialist studies. His research explores three core themes: (1) foreign policy-making mechanisms in Central Asian states, including Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan; (2) the intersection of energy infrastructure projects (e.g., TAPI pipeline) with domestic and international politics; and (3) comparative analysis of personalist regimes in the region. He has authored monographs such as Turkmenistan’s Foreign Policy (2008) and Analysing Kazakhstan’s Foreign Policy (2020), and co-edited Personalism and Personalist Regimes (2024). Anceschi contributes to public discourse through media engagements, including writing for Open Democracy and podcast appearances on Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. His work frequently addresses authoritarian governance, energy security, and the geopolitical implications of Eurasian integration. He supervises doctoral students on topics such as the Eurasian Economic Union, remittance regimes, and natural resource management in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Key Awards: Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Fellowship (2012–2013) Editorial Role: Editor of Europe-Asia Studies (2015–present)
Dr. Paul Lushenko is an Assistant Professor at the U.S. Army War College and concurrently serves as Chief Strategist for the U.S. military’s Joint Counter Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office. He holds a part-time faculty role as a Professorial Lecturer at George Washington University. His expertise bridges emerging technologies, geopolitics, and national security, with a focus on great power competition and its implications for global order. Education: Ph.D. and M.A. in International Relations, Cornell University M.A. in Defense and Strategic Studies, U.S. Naval War College M.A. in International Relations and Master of Diplomacy, The Australian National University (as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar) B.S., U.S. Military Academy Research Interests: Dr. Lushenko explores the intersection of technology and warfare, including drone warfare’s societal impacts, legitimacy of remote combat operations, and strategic challenges posed by emerging military systems. His work emphasizes how great power rivalries reshape regional stability and global governance frameworks. Teaching and Professional Roles: He teaches courses such as IAFF 6186 U.S. Special Operations at George Washington University. His military career spans two decades, including service in special operations and ten combat deployments. Labs/Teams: His advisory role in the Joint Counter Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office reflects his hands-on engagement with cutting-edge defense technologies and tactical strategies.
Dr. David Brewster is a Senior Research Fellow at the National Security College, Australian National University, specializing in Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific maritime security. He also holds a Distinguished Research Fellow position at the Australia India Institute, University of Melbourne. His work focuses on India’s strategic role in the Indo-Pacific, Sino-Indian naval dynamics, and regional security cooperation. Brewster frequently participates in international security dialogues and contributes to policy-oriented publications. He has authored influential books like *India’s Ocean* and edited volumes such as *India and China at Sea*, examining geopolitical competition in the Indian Ocean. His research integrates geopolitical analysis with maritime security challenges, emphasizing multilateral partnerships to address emerging threats. Qualifications include a PhD from ANU, LLM from Columbia University, and legal/economics degrees from the University of Sydney. Brewster’s expertise spans Indian Ocean security, Indo-Pacific strategy, and defense diplomacy. Key projects include analyzing Australia’s strategic engagement in the Indian Ocean and trilateral partnerships with India and France. He advocates for enhanced maritime surveillance, capacity-building in island states, and addressing geoenvironmental security challenges in the region. Recent publications explore Australia’s strategic posture, AUKUS cooperation with India, and China’s naval ambitions. Brewster’s work underscores the need for adaptive strategies in a multipolar Indo-Pacific, leveraging academic research to inform policy decisions on maritime security and geopolitical stability.
Lassi Heininen is a prominent academic focused on Arctic geopolitics and international political science. He leads the UArctic Thematic Network on Geopolitics and Security and has served as Principal Investigator for projects like 'The Global Arctic' funded by Nordregio and OPM. His research emphasizes climate change impacts, Arctic state relations, and the evolution of security frameworks in the region. He has authored over 133 publications, including contributions to the Arctic Yearbook and comparative studies on polar regions. His work bridges theoretical analysis with practical policy dialogues, notably through initiatives like the Calotte Academy and Northern Research Forum. Heininen frequently participates in international conferences, delivering keynote lectures on topics such as Arctic stability and geopolitical challenges. Key research areas include post-Cold War Arctic dynamics, the interplay between environmental and military security, and the implications of globalization for regional governance. He advocates for sustained international cooperation in the Arctic amid global tensions, emphasizing the region's unique role in fostering peaceful diplomatic engagement. Heininen's activities span organizing academic events, editorial roles, and media contributions, highlighting his commitment to disseminating knowledge on Arctic affairs. His projects often involve cross-border collaborations, reflecting his belief in transnational solutions to environmental and security challenges.
Jennifer M. Lind is an Associate Professor of Government at Dartmouth College and a Faculty Associate at Harvard University’s Reischauer Institute for Japanese Studies. She holds affiliations with Chatham House in London and has been a visiting scholar at Waseda University and SOAS, University of London. Her research focuses on international relations, East Asian security, and U.S. foreign policy toward East Asia. Lind earned her B.A. from UC Berkeley, M.I.A. from UC San Diego, and Ph.D. from MIT. Her work explores how authoritarian regimes like China adapt and innovate, challenging conventional views on their limitations. Notable publications include *Sorry States: Apologies in International Politics* (2008) and her forthcoming *Autocracy 2.0: How China’s Rise Transformed Tyranny* (2025). Lind’s research also addresses Japan’s security evolution, U.S.-China competition, and strategic dynamics in East Asia. She frequently contributes to outlets like *Foreign Affairs* and serves as editor-in-chief of the Substack *Blue Blaze*. Lind teaches courses on international politics, great power dynamics, and U.S.-China relations. Her grants and consultancy include work with RAND Corporation and the U.S. Department of Defense. She co-founded the Security Studies Faculty Network to foster collaboration among security scholars.
Hugo Meijer is a CNRS Research Fellow and Deputy Director for Scientific Affairs at the Center for International Studies (CERI) of Sciences Po, Paris. He founded the European Initiative for Security Studies (EISS) and serves as Senior Fellow at the Centre for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy (CSDS) in Brussels, and Honorary Researcher at the Centre for War and Diplomacy, Lancaster University. PhD in International Relations from Sciences Po M.A. in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University B.A. in Political Economy from LUISS Guido Carli His research spans three interconnected areas: US-China relations and the reconfiguration of American hegemony through alliance systems in Europe and Asia-Pacific; European defense policies , including capability pooling and autonomous security; and European responses to China's rise , focusing on shifting threat perceptions and policy instruments. Recent publications explore NATO's Indo-Pacific engagement , alliance networking , and the biological-social duality of human conflict . His work has appeared in International Security , Journal of Strategic Studies , and Survival , addressing topics like nodal defense structures , covert balancing , and deterrence dynamics . Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow Co-editor of The Handbook of European Defence Policies and Armed Forces Author of Trading with the Enemy: US Export Control Policy toward China He has taught at King’s College London and currently offers graduate courses on foreign and defense policy , US hegemony , and diplomacy-intelligence nexus . Fluent in multiple languages, Meijer combines field research from 223 interviews with archival analysis, including leaked diplomatic cables and FOIA-released documents.
Evelyn Goh is the Shedden Professor of Strategic Policy Studies and Research Director at the Strategic & Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University (ANU). She holds academic leadership roles including Deputy Director (Research) at the Coral Bell School of Asia-Pacific Affairs and co-Managing Editor of the Cambridge Studies in International Relations series. Her research focuses on U.S.-China relations, East Asian security dynamics, and the evolving regional order. Education includes a Doctorate and Masters in International Relations from the University of Oxford (1996–2001), an MSc in Environment & Development from the University of Cambridge (1997), and prior faculty roles at Royal Holloway University of London, University of Oxford, and the Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. Key research interests span East Asian international relations, Cold War history, and the interplay between security and economic strategies. Notable works include *The Struggle for Order* (Oxford, 2013) and co-authored *Re-thinking Sino-Japanese Alienation* (Oxford, 2020). She has secured major grants such as the Australian Research Council Discovery Grant (2019–2022) and UK Economic & Social Research Council Fellowship (2011–12). Her leadership extends to initiatives like the Women in International Security (WIIS) at ANU and the *Graduate Research and Development Network on Asian Security* (GRADNAS). She also contributes to global policy discussions through her roles in the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on International Security and strategic diplomacy projects addressing 21st-century complexity.
Dr. Lucien Frary is a Professor in the Department of History and Philosophy at Rider University, specializing in Mediterranean studies, Slavic research, and Eastern Orthodox history. His work focuses on Russian-Ottoman relations, particularly Russia's engagement with the Near East during the post-Byzantine era, and the Eastern Question. Russian-Ottoman Borderlands: The Eastern Question Reconsidered (2014) Russia and the Making of Modern Greek Identity, 1821-1844 (2015, co-edited with Mara Kozelsky) Thresholds into the Orthodox Commonwealth: Essays in Honor of Theofanis G. Stavrou (2017) Current book projects on Count Grigorii A. Stroganov and Russian-Byzantine heritage His research explores historical intersections between religion, politics, and national identity formation in the Balkans and Greece. He teaches courses on: Imperial and modern Russian history Ottoman Empire and Balkan studies Ancient/modern Greek history World War II and Nazi Germany History of socialism Online historical education Academic honors include multiple Summer Faculty Research Fellowships (2005-2016), editorial board memberships (2017-2021), and leadership roles in academic conferences (2009-2022). Recent publications analyze Russian diplomatic interventions, Orthodox community dynamics, and the geopolitical ramifications of the Eastern Question.
Dr. Ngeow Chow Bing serves as a Nonresident Scholar at Carnegie China and Director of the Institute of China Studies at the University of Malaya. His academic career centers on China's relations with Southeast Asian nations, with particular expertise in the South China Sea dispute, Belt and Road Initiative, and U.S.-China rivalry dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. His research interests span China-Southeast Asia Relations , Maritime Security , and Military Diplomacy , examining how ASEAN navigates great power competition. Ngeow analyzes Southeast Asian perspectives on China's rise through both strategic security lenses and softer dimensions of people-to-people exchanges, education, and soft power. His work reveals the paradoxes and contradictions in regional engagement with China, highlighting how countries balance economic opportunities against security concerns. Ngeow's recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on ASEAN's role in moderating U.S.-China competition and military education as soft power . His analysis tracks evolving regional attitudes toward China's Pinglu Canal project, Taiwan conflict scenarios, and post-pandemic geopolitical shifts. The scholarship shows increasing emphasis on Southeast Asian agency within China's neighborhood diplomacy framework. As an active contributor to academic discourse, Ngeow has published in leading journals including Cold War History , Journal of Contemporary China , and Contemporary Southeast Asia , while providing policy-relevant analysis through platforms like East Asia Forum and ThinkChina. His multilingual capabilities (Mandarin, Cantonese, English, Malay) facilitate deep engagement with primary sources and regional stakeholders. Current research investigates ASEAN's potential role in stabilizing U.S.-China rivalry through innovative frameworks like ASEAN Plus Two.
Catherine Jones is a Lecturer at the University of St Andrews' School of International Relations, specializing in security and development dynamics in East Asia. Her work spans Southeast Asia's geopolitical landscape, China's role in international institutions, and North Korea's security challenges, with a methodological focus on simulations and wargames to analyze policy responses. Education : PhD in Liberal Way of War from the University of Reading; Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (2021). Funded by the Scottish Funding Council, Korea Foundation, British Academy, and Leverhulme Trust Key collaborations include APR2P Centre (University of Queensland), RSIS (Nanyang Technological University), and Balsillie School (University of Waterloo) Research Trends : Recent publications highlight China's vaccine diplomacy, US-Southeast Asia relations under Trump, and maritime governance challenges. These reflect her expertise in East Asian security, global health, and international development frameworks. Scientific Awards : Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) - 2021 Media Contributions : Regularly engaged as an expert commentator on topics including North Korea, US-China rivalry, Taiwan elections, and international maritime policy developments.
