Western Bubble Insights & Strategy
The West is exposed to deep vulnerabilities and risks because of underlying dynamics we summarise as “the Western Bubble”. This bubble is a set of biases and behavioural patterns that weaken Western actors’ ability to navigate the rapidly changing world order. Additionally, it also leads to uncertainty for non-Western actors wanting to capitalise on these shifting global realities. We work with both governmental and private sector partners to reduce these vulnerabilities and risks, as well as identify opportunities that arise out of these patterns. Beyond strategic advisory our organisation delivers publicly available analysis and policy initiatives through publications, the Bursting Western Bubble Podcast and events.
Meet the Team
Balder Hageraats
Senior Partner
Balder Hageraats is Senior Partner at WB Insights. With over twenty years of experience as an analyst, economist and advisor, Balder specialises in international security and global governance. He has worked with a diverse range of European governments and global private sector actors. Additionally, he is the founding partner of ReSeT and an Adjunct Professor of International Relations at IE University. He is the co-host of the Western Bubble podcast.
Stefani Obradovic
Partner / Legal & Operations
Stefani Obradovic is a Partner at WB Insights and leads Legal & Operations. A dual graduate in Business Administration and Laws from IE University, she specialises in corporate governance, international compliance and legal risk assessment. Her professional background includes working in internal governance for Openbank and leading the Communications Team at RAIA. She is the producer of the Western Bubble Podcast.
Dario Hasenstab
Partner / Foreign Policy Consultancy
Dario Hasenstab is a Partner at WB Insights and leads Business Development. With a decade of experience in foreign affairs, Dario specialises in international security and energy policy and has worked with all levels of government and global private sector actors. Additionally, he is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of RAIA. He was previously Business Development Manager at DENEFF. He is the co-host of the Western Bubble podcast.