Research
My research sits at the intersection of geopolitics, strategic foresight, and applied policy analysis. With 26 years of academic and field experience, I contribute to both public discourse and decision-grade intelligence — through published writing, academic collaborations, and bespoke research commissions.
I am the creator of the DragonBear framework — a proprietary analytical lens for tracking the strategic convergence between China and Russia and its implications for the global order.
Core Research Domains
Global System & World Order
Structural shifts in the international order, great-power competition, and the transition from unipolarity to multipolarity.
DragonBear & Cold War 2.0
The evolving strategic convergence between China and Russia and its systemic implications for the global order — analysed through the proprietary DragonBear framework.
Middle Powers & the Global South
The rise of swing states and middle powers — India, Turkey, Gulf states, ASEAN — and their growing agency in shaping the global balance.
Strategic Foresight & Scenario Planning
Applied foresight methodology for anticipating geopolitical disruption, including trend analysis and horizon scanning.
Bespoke Research
Beyond published work, I undertake bespoke research commissions for corporate clients, government agencies, and international institutions. These projects deliver tailored intelligence on specific geopolitical questions — from market-entry risk assessments and regulatory horizon scans to scenario exercises and strategic briefing papers.
I actively contribute to national and international research projects and consortia, including FFG Austria and Horizon Europe, deepening understanding of evolving geopolitical developments across multiple dimensions.
Published Contributions
Attaqa Energy Platform
Weekly columns on global energy geopolitics for one of the largest Arabic-language energy platforms.
Der Pragmaticus
Contributions to Austria's leading scientific magazine exploring critical global topics.
Die Materie
Monthly geopolitical analysis and commentary on complex global developments.
Book Publications
Election 2024: Kickl, crises, chancellor's box
Velina contributed her essay 'Russia and Austria: Moscow's long shadow on Viennese politics' to this book by Barbara Toth and Thomas Hofer.
Learn More
Putin's Europe
A comprehensive analysis of Russia's influence in Europe. Book chapter on Russia's geoeconomic and geopolitical warfare.
Academic & Institutional Affiliations
Explore Our Publications
Discover our curated collection of geopolitical publications, offering critical analyses and in-depth reports on global affairs.
Visit ShopInterested in Research Collaboration?
Whether you need a bespoke research commission, a strategic briefing paper, or are exploring opportunities for academic collaboration — I welcome the conversation.