Expert Profile

Dr Dominik Balthasar is an international development expert with about a decade of work experience (post-PhD) in research, policy, and practice. Currently a freelance consultant based in Manila, Philippines, he had most recently assisted KfW Development Bank in devising its engagement in conflict-affected countries. Previously, Dominik worked in diverse capacities on issues pertaining to state fragility and resilience. While having collaborated with different bi- and multilateral aid organizations in places such as the DR Congo (UNDP), Timor-Leste (World Bank), and Nepal (former DfID), he contributed to the endeavours of think and do tanks in Europe (Chatham House, EU-ISS, swisspeace), North America (USIP), and Africa (IPSS). Having been passionate about enhancing the evidence-base of policies and programming in international development, he has been drawn into the field of strategic foresight during past years. Dominik sees much potential in taking foresight to contexts of fragility, and seeks to uncover the inherent linkages between these two fields in order to devise more fitting strategies towards peace and development. Dominik holds an MSc in International Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science, was awarded a PhD for his work on state fragility in Somalia from the same institution, received training in scenario planning at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and is a full member of the Association of Professional Futurists.