Defence Research and Studies is akin to fostering and culture of research among young scholars across Europe. The researchers here are either based in Europe or interested in IR and European geopolitics.

Research Director

William Favre

Prof William Favre has graduated from Seoul National University and is specialised in International Relations and Geopolitics of Asia in premodern and modern Asia. Currently, he is one of the Research Fellows at DRaS. His areas of research interest are Nuclear deterrence, the Korean Peninsula, BRICS and Geopolitics between East and Western Countries.

Research Associate

Victor Helfenberger

Victor Helfenberger holds a double bachelor’s degree in law and political science from ICES. He is currently pursuing a double master’s in International Relations and International Affairs jointly by the London School of Economics and Political Science and Peking University. His research focuses on the reconfiguration of soft power through educational diplomacy in Francophone West Africa by China.

Research Associate

Noam Lounes

Noam Lounes is a student of International Business with a focus on Science Politics at ECSE, the leading school for international careers. He has been deeply involved in geopolitical concerns, having been involved in Model United Nations since my high school years and being part of CINUP. For CINUP, Lounes has written weekly articles about international relations since September 2022. He is also profoundly concerned about environmental issues such as climate change and the usage of natural resources. He aims to bring motivation and passion to the field of geopolitics to work towards a better understanding of the world.

Research Associate

Mrinalini Manda

Mrinalini Manda is pursuing her Bachelor’s in Economics and Political Science. She is passionate about understanding the intricate relationship between economic systems and political structures and how they impact society. She is actively engaged with Bookwallah, an NGO focused on healing, empowering, and transforming children through the power of storytelling. She is a motivated, disciplined leader, always looking to add value to everything she does. Her insatiable curiosity drives her to explore new opportunities and expand her skill set.

Research Associate

Hastha R

Hastha R is pursuing her graduation in economics and statistics. With an interest in Geopolitics, IR and military affairs, she has joined DRaS Europe. Having benefited from the articles put out by the think tank, she intends to learn from senior researchers and writers and aspires to become a writer in the near future.

Research Associate

Ethan Zelko-Yilmaz

Ethan Zelko-Yilmaz holds a double bachelor’s degree in history and political science from ICES. He also holds a certificate in theology from the same institution. He is pursuing a master’s degree in history at EPHE-PSL Paris on the perception of the Mongols by the populations of the Eastern Middle East in the 13th century. His areas of research are relations between the Levant and Inner Asia, both in the past and present.

DRaS Europe