The DRC Team works together with the Board of Directors, Principle Investigators, and other government organizations to ensure the knowledge gained through our research efforts is captured and applied in a number of activities from civil education to policy advice, all with the focus on building democratic resilience.
Directors
Dr. Jill Long – Director of the Democratic Resilience Center
Dr. Jill Long, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, brings more than 30 years of practical experience as a security professional and 15 years as a Senior Professor of Strategic Leadership to the Democratic Resilience Center. Dr. Long developed the Strategic Emergence Model™ providing a structure which guides strategic design for hybrid conflict and great power competition to connect grand strategic thought to agency/ministerial-level strategic planning processes. As Director of the Democratic Resilience Center, she orchestrates the translation of the center’s excellent academic research into practical solutions which mitigate the threats to democracies and bolsters democratic resiliency.
Dr. Babis C. Karpouchtsis – Director of Civic Education
Dr. Charalampos Babis Karpouchtsis is a political scientist with a background in political consulting, foreign policy, and civic education. His research focuses on foreign policy, conflict resolution, strategic culture, and political narratives, as well as on the impact of artificial intelligence in these areas and its role in fostering social cohesion.
As Director of Civic Education, he is responsible for developing education programs that enhance democratic awareness and societal cohesion. Through his work, he seeks to bridge the gap between academic research and political engagement, helping to empower citizens in shaping resilient democratic societies.
Severin Pleyer – Director of Security Strategy
Severin Pleyer is a Captain in the German Armed Forces and a Research Assistant in Political Theory at Helmut Schmidt University in Hamburg. With a broad academic background, including a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences and Economics from the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth University, and advanced studies in strategic defense and security policy, he brings deep expertise in the fields of nuclear deterrence and military theory. As a PhD candidate at the University of Turku, Finland, his research focuses on modern nuclear strategies and their implications for global security.
2025 International Fellows
Isabel Chandler (USA) is a policy analyst for the U.S. Department of Commerce. She works on the Information and Communications Technology Services (ICTS) team, where she recommends and creates policy regarding adversarial technological components embedded in the U.S. economy. Isabel’s expertise lies in the fields of emerging technology, Russia studies, and disinformation. Following her graduation as a Russian and international politics and economics double major at Middlebury College, she was a 2022 Fellow at the American Research Institute of the South Caucasus in Georgia where she studied and published on Russian disinformation tactics relating to the invasion of Ukraine.
Alissa Chmiel (Germany) is a researcher and advocate from Berlin, Germany, specializing in the intersection of technology and global peace and security. She holds a Master’s degree from the UN-mandated University for Peace, where her research focused on the role of social media in information and cognitive warfare in the Russian-Ukrainian context. With over 9 years of experience in civil peacebuilding initiatives worldwide, Alissa explores how digitalization shapes global security. Combining academic rigor with hands-on experience, she leads seminars and collaborates with experts to advance solutions for a democratic and secure digital future.
Maria Constantinescu (Romania) Maria Constantinescu is a graduate from the University of Amsterdam with a Bachelor’s degree in Politics, Psychology, Law and Economics. Originally from Romania, she is particularly interested in corruption, democratic backsliding and ideology. She brings expertise in the field of political theory and international relations.
Ilaria Gallo (Italy) graduated from the University of Studies of Turin in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in International Science of Development and Cooperation and from the International Institute in Geneva in 2024 with a master’s in International Relations and Diplomacy. Her research has focused on international security organisations, strategic missions, and nuclear deterrence policies. Ilaria has gained valuable experience in research positions and will participate in the 2025 Fellowship Program at the Democratic Resilience Center.
Ardahan Özkan Gedikli (Germany) is a doctoral researcher at the Leibniz Institute for Global and Regional Studies (GIGA) and has been working as a research assistant at Helmut Schmidt University since May 2023. After completing his master’s degree at the University of Sussex, he worked as a public sector consultant on projects for various government institutions in Ankara. His recent publications include a book chapter “So Close Yet So Far: Turkey’s Relations with Germany in Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Narratives (2003–2018)” and the co-authored handbook article “Deutschland und die europäische Mittelmeerpolitik”. As a scholarship holder of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), Ardahan’s research interests focus on peace and conflict studies, development cooperation, Turkish foreign policy, European politics, MENA politics, and discourse analysis.
Vivian Kristofferson (United States of America) is a seasoned professional from the U.S., specializing in wargaming design and execution, with a background in cybersecurity and policy management. Currently, Vivian is a Cyber Lead at The MITRE Corporation, a not-for-profit institution working in the public interest. She develops strategic/operational wargaming solutions for US government sponsors. Her previous roles at MITRE include Senior Cybersecurity Engineer and Corporate Licensing Manager, where she honed her expertise in acquisition strategy and technology licensing. Vivian holds a master’s degree in Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management from George Washington University. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese, she is also an avid video gamer, bringing a unique perspective to her wargaming endeavors.
Gentry Lane (United States of America) is the CEO, CTO & Founder of Nemesis Global, a cyber national security software company that serves American and Allied militaries and critical infrastructure companies. She is a member of the NATO Science & Technology Organization tech panel, a Fellow at the National Security Institute at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School and serves on the board of directors of The Software in Defense Coalition. Ms. Lane is a senior software developer, statistician, and scholar of military strategic logic and theory. She has developed and commercialized groundbreaking discoveries in the fields of computational anomaly detection and memory forensics and is an internationally recognized subject matter expert on cyber-power projection strategy. A sought-after speaker on cyber national security issues, she has spoken at RSA and scores of industry-focused cybersecurity conferences. She advises members of Congress and defense/intelligence leaders in NATO member countries. A staunch STEMinist, Ms. Lane mentors young women interested in technology with national security applications and is a board advisor to deep tech startups. She is bilingual (English & French) and currently studying Polish.
Frank Maxime Yankam Lemdjo (Cameroon) Frank is an accomplished legal professional with over a decade of experience in international criminal law, human rights, and humanitarian law. With expertise in evidence analysis, litigation support, and interdisciplinary research, he has contributed to impactful projects for organizations such as the United Nations and the African Union. Fluent in multiple languages, he brings a global perspective to strengthening democratic resilience and advancing human rights. His published work spans topics including geopolitical trends, legal remedies, and democratic systems, showcasing his commitment to justice and governance.
Dr. Rebecca Nicholson (United States of America) is a scholar-practitioner specializing in the root causes of violent and political conflict. With over 20 years of experience, she has collaborated with military special forces, indigenous communities, NGOs, private companies, and policy-making bodies. Holding a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis & Resolution and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Public Relations, Dr. Nicholson integrates academic research with practical solutions to address complex challenges and foster democratic resilience.
Nicolai Nielsen (Denmark) is an experienced intelligence specialist with expertise in Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) gathering and analysis, ranging from the tactical to the operational level. His academic background centered on European politics, as well as Russian and Chinese foreign policy. Passionate about countering mis- and disinformation, and with skills in research, analysis, critical thinking, and publications, he aims to contribute to the DRC’s interdisciplinary research and projects, and publications addressing global informational challenges.
Dr. Nneka Okechukwa (Nigeria) is an independent consultant working on the themes of the rule of law and peacebuilding. Previously, she worked as a senior policy officer and later Head of the inclusive governance and accountability team at the European Centre for Development Policy Management. Nneka has also worked with the Africa projects of the Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law and as a senior research fellow and country manager of the South Sudan projects as well as at Saferworld UK and Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Nneka is a qualified lawyer and holds a master’s degree in public international law from Queen Mary, University of London and a PhD from the University of Hull.
Iñako Oyon (Spain) is a versatile and dynamic leader experienced in social inclusion project management improving employability for young parents and codifying best practices for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in migration with a special emphasis on improving integration of female migrates. Iñaki holds a bachelor’s in Politics and International Relations from Queen Mary University of London, and is currently working towards a masters in European Studies at Maastricht University. With more than four years of project management experience in the international environment, having worked in Malta and Romania, he has demonstrated a strong drive for helping to make a positive impact within society. Iñaki extends his efforts in bettering the world through his volunteer activity supporting projects which help marginalized girls stay in school and by contributing to research on human rights and the role of the European Union in the Serbian-Kosovo conflict.
Maria Leonor Pinheiro (Portugal) is a dual master’s graduate in International Relations and International Politics, with a focus on international security. Passionate about democracy, multiculturalism, and community development, she has extensive experience in youth leadership. She has collaborated on research examining extremism and its societal perceptions, focusing on ideology and security. Dedicated to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and cooperation, she aims to strengthen democracy and promote global stability.
John “Pepe” Soto (United States of America) has over 45 years of experience in intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance (ISR) and corporate business development. He is an award winning, versatile, senior intelligence professional experienced in leading and managing C4ISR organizations in more than 40 countries and maintains a C4ISR community-wide network of associates. He currently works for American Systems. As an instructor at the elite USAF Weapons School he served across all levels of the US Air Force (USAF) providing intelligence support for the first operational F-16 squadron, the USAF Strategic Weapons School for both the B-52 and B-1 Weapons Instructor Courses, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Mr. Soto deployed in support of operations in the Balkans, Southwest Asia, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Europe and South America, including support to Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Just Cause, Provide Promise/Deny Flight/Sharp Guard, Noble Anvil, Uphold Democracy/Maintain Democracy and numerous crisis action teams. Upon retirement from the Air Force Mr. Soto served in a variety of positions in the ISR community and was a principal author of the Air Force’s Air War over Serbia (AWOS) report and senior special operations research analyst on Task Force Enduring Look’s report on Operation Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terror. He was also a member of the US delegation to NATO’s Combat Search and Rescue/Personnel Recovery Air Board. Mr. Soto holds a master’s degree in international terrorism from Norwich University (Cum Laude) and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Mr. Soto also competed and completed the 1993 Ironman World Championship Triathlon, in Kona, Hawaii, as a member of the USAF Triathlon Team.
Semih Teriz (Germany) is a curious mind with a love for psychology and journalism. He’s passionate about unraveling human behavior and > turning insights into compelling stories. Whether exploring the “why” behind actions or crafting narratives that resonate, he thrives on connecting people through the power of understanding and words. As a tech-savvy storyteller with a passion for gaming and nerdy stuff, he’s leading marketing teams and editorials or leveling up in his favorite franchises.
Amal Tobich (Tunisia) is currently an MA candidate in Global Politics and Society at the University of Milan, Italy and University of Bremen, Germany. In addition, she is an African Graduate fellow and holds an MA in Public Administration from the American University in Cairo, Egypt specialising in Public Reforms and Innovation. Amal has over 5 years of experience working with youth led organisations and active civil society groups in the development sector. For the past four years, she held several roles within United Nations Developmental Program (UNDP) Regional Hub and Community Infrastructure Support (CIS). She has experience in communication, community leading, training, and public relations in both the profit and non-profit sectors, implementing several projects that target disadvantaged communities, youth, and civil society covering the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Her work in academia and professionally focuses on culture and identity, intersectionality & Power towards more engaged and empowered youth, Amal is particularly interested in the MENA and the Global North-South Divide. She is a hard-working professional and researcher with a passion for connecting civil society, local communities, and policymakers to support a more sustainable and youthful future.
Bruno Devesa Vieira (Portugal) is a Municipal Assembly Deputy in Cartaxo. With a diverse academic background, including a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Lisbon, he is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Geopolitical Studies at Charles University. He also completed an EU Studies course at Ludwig Maximilian University and a Specialization Course in Geopolitics and Security of the Mediterranean at Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa. Additionally, Mr. Devesa Vieira served as an airport firefighter in the Portuguese Army, was an intern at the Islamic World Observatory, and is a European Climate Pact Ambassador. He was also a member and researcher at the NAPA (Academic Center for Environmental Protection) and published a poetry book about love, titled “Da Luz à Eternidade.”
Student Assistants
Celina Rieck
Celina Rieck is a student in the Bachelor’s program in Political Science with a particular interest in the areas of digitalization and societal crises. As part of her role, she supports the DRC’s website and social media presence.
Letzte Änderung: 18. December 2024