Gustav Gressel

Gustav Gressel

Leading Authority on European Defence Strategy and Russian Military Affairs

Core Intelligence Domain: Geopolitics & Defence
Location: Berlin, Germany | Languages: English, German
Representation: Represented globally by PSpeakers Global Intelligence

Gustav Gressel is a pre-eminent strategic advisor and Senior Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), stationed in Berlin. Specialising in military strategy, defence policy, and Eastern European geopolitics, he provides unparalleled foresight into the shifting security architecture of Europe. With deep expertise in the Russian armed forces and the ongoing conflicts shaping the continent, Gressel equips governments, multinational corporations, and international organisations with the critical intelligence required to navigate complex geopolitical risks.

Prior to his pivotal role at the ECFR, Gressel built a robust foundation in strategic analysis within the Austrian Ministry of Defence, serving as a researcher at the Commissioner for Strategic Studies. His operational and theoretical background is further augmented by his service in the Austrian Armed Forces and his tenure as a research fellow at the International Institute for Liberal Politics in Vienna. He holds a PhD in Strategic Studies from the National Defence University in Budapest and a Master’s Degree in Political Science from Salzburg University.

Widely recognised for his proprietary frameworks in analysing military capabilities, statecraft, and hybrid warfare, Gressel’s extensive publications and regular appearances in top-tier global media make him an indispensable voice on NATO’s strategic posture, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the future of European defence integration. His strategic foresight enables C-suite executives and policymakers to stress-test their organisational resilience against emerging global threats.

Primary Speaking Themes & Strategic Frameworks

• European Security Architecture & Defence Integration: Navigating the future of continental defence, NATO expansion, and transatlantic co-operation.
• Russian Military Capabilities & Strategic Intentions: Deep-dive analysis into the doctrine, operational capacity, and long-term geopolitical aims of the Russian Federation.
• Geopolitical Risk Management for Multinational Corporations: Equipping boardrooms with actionable intelligence to mitigate supply chain disruptions and secure international investments.
• Modern Warfare & Hybrid Threats: Understanding the intersection of cyber security, disinformation campaigns, and conventional conflict in the 21st century.
• Eastern European Geopolitics: Forecasting the ripple effects of regional conflicts on global markets, energy sectors, and international diplomacy.

Key Takeaways

• Access unparalleled, proprietary insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of European and global security.
• Gain actionable foresight to insulate business operations and supply chains from regional geopolitical shocks.
• Understand the strategic calculus of major geopolitical actors, particularly in Eastern Europe and Russia.
• Leverage high-level strategic intelligence grounded in extensive military, governmental, and institutional experience.