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
A geopolitical and conflict studies expert holding a PhD in International Relations. She previously worked with leading European think tanks and contributed to policy reports for governments and international organizations, including EU policy frameworks.
Her academic work focuses on gender studies, and social change.
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 Tolstoy
Senior Analyst – Strategic Risk & Forecasting
An expert in international business and entrepreneurship, specializing in global market expansion, digital internationalization, and multinational enterprise strategy.
Data & OSINT Team
Maria Nils
Lead Data Analyst
Emily Kassie
investigations
She focuses on digital investigations and verification methodologies.
She works on tracking transnational networks, analysing online ecosystems, and validating information across open data sources.
Advisory Board
Dr. Rita Fazekas
Advisor – International Law
Prof. James Old
Advisor – International Law
An expert in international law and human rights, with experience working with international legal bodies.
His work focuses on accountability, international justice, and legal frameworks governing conflict and security.
Dr. Jonathan Mercer
Chair of the Advisory Board
Professor of Political Science at the University of Washington specializing in international relations, political psychology, deterrence, and security studies.
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
Sofia Lindström
Senior Advisor for Human Security and Resilience
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