Geopolitical Strategist · Certified Strategic Foresight Expert
Founder, FACE — For A Conscious Experience · Vienna, Austria
"Geopolitics is the art of understanding the world's power dynamics based on the conundrum of geographical space."
With 26 years of professional and academic expertise spanning security, defense, and strategic foresight, Velina Tchakarova is a geopolitical strategist and founder of FACE — For A Conscious Experience. Her work centers on translating geopolitical complexity into actionable intelligence for corporations, institutions, and policymakers navigating Cold War 2.0, the rise of Middle Powers, and the structural shifts reshaping the global order.
Through FACE, Velina develops bespoke strategic assessments, scenario planning frameworks, and foresight workshops for clients across the public and private sectors. Her approach combines rigorous analytical methodology with deep regional expertise, enabling decision-makers to anticipate risks, identify opportunities, and act with strategic clarity in an environment of accelerating uncertainty.
In 2024, she earned a certification in Mastering Foresight: Scenario-Based Planning from the George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (GW-CEPL), complementing her long-standing practice as a strategic foresight facilitator.
Certifications & Recognition
FACE — For A Conscious Experience of Global Risk
FACE was founded on the conviction that geopolitical clarity is a strategic advantage. We provide corporations, institutions, and policymakers with the intelligence and foresight they need to navigate an era of accelerating systemic change — from the reconfiguration of global power to the rise of Middle Powers and the deepening rivalry of Cold War 2.0. Our work connects rigorous analysis with practical application, enabling clients to move from uncertainty to informed, confident action.
Meaningful Connection
We build partnerships rooted in trust, strategic alignment, and genuine understanding of each client's context. Every engagement begins with listening — because precise intelligence depends on asking the right questions first.
Simplicity
Geopolitics is irreducibly complex — but decisions cannot be. We translate layered global dynamics into precise, actionable intelligence, delivered with full transparency so that our clients can act with clarity and conviction.
Glocalism
Global forces play out differently in every region, industry, and institution. Our commitment to glocalism means we analyse the macro without losing sight of the local — delivering intelligence that is globally informed and regionally precise.
Current Affiliations
Velina currently serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the European Forum Alpbach and the Advisory Board of Eastern Circles, a Paris-based geoeconomics think tank focused on Eastern Europe and Ukraine. She holds a visiting fellowship at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), India's premier independent global think tank. She is a member of the Strategic and Security Policy Advisory Board of the Science Commission at the Austrian Federal Ministry of Defense, participates in the Vienna Economic Forum, and serves on the peer review board of the Defence Horizon Journal.
Previous Roles
Velina previously served as Director of the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy (AIES) in Vienna, one of Austria's leading independent research institutes on European integration, security, and defense policy. She also served as lecturer at the Real-World Risk Institute, the practitioner-led risk education program founded by Nassim Nicholas Taleb.
Speaking & Advisory Work
A frequent voice at international conferences, expert panels, and media platforms, Velina provides analysis on geopolitical shifts, emerging power dynamics, and their strategic implications for business and governance. She is regularly commissioned for research, consulting, lecturing, and publishing across the public and private sectors.
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Join the FACE Membership for sustained, senior-level geopolitical clarity
We position our clients at the forefront of their field
We bring more than 26 years' senior experience forging collaborations across government, private sector and international forums.
Consulting
At FACE – For A Conscious Experience, we specialize in providing businesses and institutions with expert geopolitical consulting services.
Speaker
As an experienced speaker and recognized authority in geopolitics and geostrategy, I am committed to shedding light on the complex workings of geopolitics.
Research
As an accomplished researcher in geopolitics, I actively contribute to national and international research projects and consortia.
Here are some reviews
What clients and partners say about working with Velina
"I have had the privilege of working with an exceptional expert in the field of geostrategy, Velina Tchakarova, with whom I have had the pleasure of working for a decade. Her ability to analyze and understand complex global dynamics is unparalleled."
Arthur Edem
General Manager IPEF
"I have had the pleasure of knowing Velina for over a decade. Her geopolitical analysis has proven to be an invaluable asset to our structural analysis when approaching commodities markets."
Tracy Shuchart
Founder, CEO and Chief Market Strategist
"She is a world-class political analyst, especially when it comes to resource-rich countries in general and Russia and the Caspian countries in particular."
Dr. Anas Alhajji
Energy Market Specialist, Author
"I fullheartedly recommend Velina as the prime European source of geopolitical expertise in this new era of great power competition that plays out across Eurasia and the wider world."
Jacek Bartosiak
Geopolitical Expert
"Velina has emerged as the world's foremost analyst of rapidly changing relationships among nations. Well before Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin publicly announced their partnership, Velina had already deemed it as the Dragonbear."
Malmgren Institute LLC
Strategic Advisory
"We are pleased to endorse & highly recommend Velina's abilities in deciphering real world politics. She probably is the smartest and most hard-working analyst currently reporting on Russia, China and EU."
Steel Strips Wheels Ltd
Manufacturing