Our Authors

Ronan Wordsworth is a geopolitical analyst and PhD candidate in Political Science at Charles University in Prague. He holds a background in civil engineering, with over ten years of professional experience across three continents, before completing a Master's degree in Geopolitical Studies at Charles University.

His research and analytical work focus on geopolitics, resource competition, and foreign influence operations, with particular emphasis on Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. He also examines the geopolitical implications of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and space security.

Ronan works as a geopolitical analyst for Geopolitical Futures and is an Assistant Professor at Charles University, where he undertakes teaching and research activities. His doctoral research examines the mechanisms and patterns of foreign influence across sub-Saharan Africa.

Matthew Heibel is a licensed U.S. lawyer with over 15 years experience as a criminal prosecutor with a focus on sex crimes. He served in the US Air Force as a JAG (military lawyer), and was stationed in Japan, Kuwait, and the U.S. Currently he is pursuing a Masters in Geopolitical Studies at Charles University in Prague while also serving as a geopolitical consultant for Aspen Institute Central Europe.

David Diaz is a published geopolitical analyst and enthusiast originally from Belize. His passion for geopolitics led him to pursue a Bachelor's degree in International Relations at Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic. With a strong interest in technology, trade, and security, his academic work focused on European industrial and semiconductor policy, and he co-authored a research paper on the role of artificial intelligence in counterterrorism published in West Point's CTC Sentinel. David currently works in the technology industry, where his professional experience complements his research interests at the intersection of geopolitics and emerging technologies.

Zsanett Gréta Papp is a geopolitical analyst and energy and climate policy expert focused on the Arctic, European energy security, and the global energy transition. She works as a Science for Policy expert and is an EU Young Energy Ambassador for the European Commission.

Taylor / Polly Slover is currently pursuing a dual degree master's in International Economics and Political Studies at Charles University and Politics and Public Administration at University of Konstanz. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from West Virginia University and has a particular interest in European political economy, trade, and democratic governance.