About

Dr. Ivo Ganchev is a political scientist and strategist based in Beijing.

His research explores how global power dynamics shape sovereignty, regional order, theory in international relations. He is an Assistant Professor of International Relations at Beijing Foreign Studies University and the Founding Director of the Centre for Regional Integration.

His published work spans regional governance in Latin America, Chinese foreign policy, and cross-paradigm IR theory, with edited volumes, peer-reviewed articles, and contributions to major international research projects available here. He is currently completing a book under contract with Cambridge University Press on how International Relations can evaluate theories across different intellectual traditions, and developing a comparative project Latin American and African regional organisations.

These academic interests inform his professional work. Ivo leads executive education programmes at Beijing Foreign Studies University for senior management at major global banks, drawing on his research into geopolitical risk, shifting global order, and regional economic integration. He previously served as Vice-Chairman of the Bulgaria-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Global Partner at a boutique advisory firm in Beijing. The Centre for Regional Integration publishes Regional Policy Insights and hosts the podcast New Regional Orders.

1500+students and executives taught internationally
100+public talks delivered in 10+ countries
30+advisory and training projects delivered

Academic History

Dr. Ganchev’s academic career spans teaching at major institutions such as Beijing Foreign Studies University, Queen Mary University of London, Newcastle University, and Beijing Union University, where he taught Global Leadership. His academic publications include several edited volumes and articles available here. He currently serves as an Editorial Board Member for the peer-reviewed journals World Affairs and SAGE Open. Beyond academia, Dr. Ganchev is passionate about community engagement and music. He previously mentored academic refugees through the Cara Syria program and fronted the rock band Spacelaw.

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