Helena Ivanov

International Relations Consultant, PhD LSE

London, England, United Kingdom

About

I am an international relations consultant specialising in research, disinformation, geopolitics, policy analysis, and strategic communications. As an Associate Research Fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, I lead research on disinformation, Russia’s and China’s geopolitical positioning, hybrid warfare, rare earth minerals, and the EU accession process - particularly in the Western Balkans. I also analyse domestic politics in the region and the influence of China and Russia. My work delivers actionable insights to inform policy and strategy. In 2025, I also started my Fellowship at the International Strategy Forum (ISF). I hold a PhD in International Relations from the London School of Economics, where I developed a model for analysing propaganda, detailing its phases, functions, and impact on conflicts. My research explores the intersection of propaganda, conflict, and violence against civilians. Beyond policy and academia, I gained experience in global financial markets at Bridgewater Associates, one of the world’s leading macro hedge funds, strengthening my analytical and strategic expertise. With a diverse background across research, policy, and finance, I provide data-driven insights and strategic recommendations on global security, geopolitical risks, and hybrid threats.

Experience

  • Fellow at Special Competitive Studies Project - SCSP
    Feb 2025 - Present · 1 yr 5 mos

  • Associate Fellow at The Henry Jackson Society
    Jan 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 6 mos

    Conceptualising, planning, and executing a research project; engaging in public speaking and media commentating; fundraising and securing grants to support research projects.

  • Researcher at NOA
    Aug 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 11 mos

  • The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) (4 yrs 9 mos)
    • PhD Candidate in International Relations
      Sep 2017 - May 2022 · 4 yrs 9 mos

      In my thesis, I examined the role of propaganda in violence against civilians through an in-depth analysis of the Yugoslav Wars. I produced a model of propaganda which details its key phases, functions, discourses and techniques. This model can be applied across various conflicts and regions where propaganda is deployed. As part of my research, I obtained access to the entire archive of RTS - amounting to around 1,634 broadcasts aired between 1991 and 1995.

    • Manager, Centre for International Studies at the LSE
      Sep 2018 - Jun 2021 · 2 yrs 10 mos

      As the Manager, I was in charge of managing the budget, organising various talks and conferences, and organising the process of postdoc applications.

    • Graduate Research And Teaching Assistant
      Oct 2019 - Jun 2020 · 9 mos

      Courses taught: Global Politics in the 21st Century; Contemporary Issues in International Relations; Power Shift; Genocide; International Security. Recipient of the Highly Commended Award as a Departmental Class Teacher of International relations.

  • Investment Associate at Bridgewater Associates
    Sep 2021 - Nov 2021 · 3 mos

    Analysis of various concepts relevant for investing and portfolio managing.