Christian Heinze Silva graduated in Economics in 2021 from the University of Barcelona and worked in commercial banking at Bank Sabadell. Given his innate passion and knowledge of international politics, he pursued an MSc in International Business and Diplomacy from ESCP Business School in Paris, France, from 2022 to 2024, specializing in the interplay between business and international relations while advancing his French language skills. His thesis focused on studying European foreign policy as a whole towards North Africa.
One of Christian's areas of greatest interest is Latin America, given his Spanish and Brazilian heritage, as well as his proactive approach to the economic, political, and cultural rapprochement between Latin America and Spain - and, by extension, the EU. For this reason, his two most recent professional experiences have focused on this continent. In 2023, Christian interned at Colombia Risk Analysis, a consulting firm based in Bogotá, specializing in the analysis and mitigation of political and economic risks in the country.
In addition to providing his clients and social media followers with assessments of the country's political developments, Christian led the creation of the report Understanding Chinese Tech Footprint in Colombia. Using OSINT and interviews with key stakeholders, the report offered an in-depth analysis of the opportunities and risks associated with Chinese investments in Colombia's telecommunications sector, national cybersecurity policies, and the role of other important sectors in the country's economy. The report was presented at the China In The World Conference 2023. Christian also researched the feasibility of implementing Debt for Environment Swaps in Colombia.
In 2024, he undertook a traineeship at the European Union Delegation to Uruguay, specifically within the Political, Press, and Communication Section, where he continued his focus on Latin America, this time examining the continent from the EU perspective. In Montevideo, Christian worked on a wide range of interdisciplinary topics. He supported the team on educational programs such as the Jean Monnet module and Euro model; attended meetings and conferences on multilateralism, AI policy and ethics, and combating disinformation; earned a certification in cyber diplomacy through a collaboration between the EU and the Artigas Institute; and closely monitored and analyzed Uruguay's electoral process that same year.
Furthermore, he contributed to the annual report on human rights prepared by the EU delegations, supported activities related to the Global Gateway, assisted in the drafting of several démarches, and co-wrote the weekly reports as well as other special reports. During his time in the Southern Cone, he had the opportunity to be part of several key moments for the European Union, including the 5th European Investment Forum in Uruguay, which focused on green hydrogen, and the historic EU-Mercosur summit, where the foundations were laid for the signing of a final free trade agreement between the two blocs.
Although still in the early stages of his career as an expert in international politics and economics, Christian sees Meer as an ideal platform to offer a fresh and youthful perspective on the complex political landscape. In an increasingly uncertain and polarized world, he advocates for the importance of analysis and sound judgment when consuming information, aiming to move beyond echo chambers and promote evidence-based critical thinking. His focus is on fostering intellectual curiosity, holding leaders accountable, and championing best practices and transparency in a globally challenging context. Aware of the immense challenges facing new generations, Christian is committed to contributing to a more enlightened and responsible vision of the future.