Global Institute for Strategic Studies (GISS)
Our Team
At GISS, our strength lies in a multidisciplinary team of researchers, analysts, and experts with deep regional knowledge and a global perspective. Our team combines academic excellence, field experience, and policy engagement to deliver rigorous and impactful analysis.
Executive Leadership
Dr. Elina Nilson
Director of Research
Dr. Nik Dan
Executive Director
Michael Ford
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Senior Analysts
Alix Rondi
Senior Analyst – Conflict & Security
Specializes in armed conflict analysis and military transformation, with experience in monitoring conflict zones in the Middle East and North Africa.
His work focuses on the evolution of warfare, armed group dynamics, and security trends shaping modern conflicts.
Dr. Sara Julian
Senior Analyst – Geoeconomics & Sanctions
An expert in international sanctions and political economy, with experience advising research initiatives on sanctions regimes and financial systems.
Her research focuses on sanctions evasion, shadow financial networks, and the intersection between economic tools and geopolitical influence.
Daniel Tolsy
Senior Analyst – Strategic Risk & Forecasting
Data & OSINT Team
Maria Nils
Lead Data Analyst
Emily Kles
OSINT Specialist
Advisory Board
Dr. Reta Wasa
Advisor – International Law
Prof. James Olde
Advisor – International Law
Dr. Jonathan Mercer
Chair of the Advisory Board
Dr. Jonathan Mercer is a senior policy analyst with over 20 years of experience in international security, conflict prevention, and strategic affairs. He has advised governmental institutions, international organizations, and research centers on geopolitical risk, security cooperation, and regional stability initiatives across Europe and the Middle East.
Areas of Expertise:
• International Security
• Geopolitical Risk Assessment
• Conflict Prevention
• Strategic Policy Development
Prof. Amelia Richter
Senior Advisor for Governance and Public Policy
Prof. Amelia Richter is a governance specialist and academic researcher focusing on democratic institutions, public sector reform, and policy innovation. Her work has contributed to governance capacity-building programs and public administration initiatives in Europe and emerging democracies.
Areas of Expertise:
• Democratic Governance
• Public Administration
• Institutional Reform
• Policy Evaluation
Ambassador Michael Davenport
Senior Advisor for Diplomacy and International Relations
Ambassador Davenport brings extensive diplomatic experience in multilateral negotiations, international cooperation, and peacebuilding initiatives. He has worked closely with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders to foster dialogue and regional partnerships.
Areas of Expertise:
• Diplomacy
• International Relations
• Peacebuilding
• Multilateral Cooperation
Dr. Sofia Lindström
Senior Advisor for Human Security and Resilience
Dr. Lindström specializes in human security, migration, and societal resilience. Her research focuses on the intersection of security, social cohesion, and sustainable development in fragile and conflict-affected environments.
Areas of Expertise:
• Human Security
• Migration Studies
• Social Resilience
• Sustainable Development
Dr. Elena Markovic
Senior Advisor for Regional Affairs
Dr. Markovic’s research focuses on political transitions, regional conflicts, and post-conflict recovery processes. She has participated in international research projects examining governance and stability in transitional societies.
Areas of Expertise:
• Political Transitions
• Regional Security
• Post-Conflict Recovery
• Comparative Politics
Prof. Daniel Whitaker
Senior Advisor for Strategic Studies
Prof. Whitaker is an expert in strategic foresight, defense policy, and emerging global challenges. He has contributed to policy dialogues on future security trends, technological disruption, and international strategic competition.
Areas of Expertise:
• Strategic Foresight
• Defense Policy
• Emerging Technologies
• Global Security Trends