Blanka Benkő-Kovács
Founder - Political Advisor, International Security and Defence Policy Expert
Biography
Blanka Benkő-Kovács is a qualified expert in international security and defence policy. Her research and policy focus primarily covers the foreign and security policy developments of Central Asia, Iran, and Afghanistan, with particular attention to the interplay between climate risks and energy policy. She currently serves as a Political Advisor at the State Secretariat for Circular Economy and Climate Policy of Hungary’s Ministry of Energy, and is also an external expert at the Ludovika Center for Turkic Studies of the Ludovika University of Public Service. Previously, she worked as an advisor and later as a strategic analyst at the Institute for Energy Strategy, and spent more than five years as an analyst and media coordinator at the Migration Research Institute. During her career, she also coordinated international relations for the INPARK–NIPÜF Group, and in the first year of the Russia–Ukraine war she served as a humanitarian crisis volunteer coordinator at the Hungarian Red Cross. She completed her studies at the Ludovika University of Public Service, earning a BA in International Public Administration and an MSc in International Security and Defence Policy.
Areas of Expertise
Education
MSc in International Security and Defence Policy
University of Public Service2023
BA in International Administration
University of Public Service2021
Why the Turkic World and the United States Need Each Other Amidst a Fragmenting Middle East
Many were surprised that Turkic countries were included in Donald Trump’s Board of Peace. However, it is nothing to be surprised by. In the age of enhanced connectivity, prosperity in neighboring countries cannot be understood without each other and this is especially true for the Turkic World and the Middle East.
Why Water Unrest Looks Different in Iran and in Central Asia?
Water is a critical, often-overlooked national security issue nowadays. World Bank data even shows that 40% of global freshwater demand is projected to exceed supply by the end of this decade. It can therefore be stated that it is not a problem to be neglected. Especially for certain parts of the globe, for instance in the Middle East and in Central Asia. And there are particularly vulnerable countries where the water issue itself is already a security threat. Namely Iran and Uzbekistan. But why does water unrest look so different in these countries? The new op-ed on this issue written by Blanka Benkő-Kovács was published on the LCTS website.
What Can Uzbekistan Offer to Europe in Terms of Energy?
As Europe accelerates its search for diversified energy cooperation, Uzbekistan stands out as a pivotal player with substantial natural gas reserves and growing renewable capacity.
Diversification Without Illusions: What the Turkic World Can Offer Europe on Energy - Türkiye
The first part of a series examining the energy policy significance of Turkic countries, focusing on Türkiye's role in European energy security.