Through strategic advisory, targeted business intelligence, risk analysis, and an extensive global network, we turn market uncertainty into competitive advantage — with emphasis on Southeast Europe, the Balkans, and the Black Sea region.
We partner with organizations expanding into Southeast Europe and exploring regional opportunities across key growth sectors.
"In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity."
— Sun TzuSoutheast Europe is undergoing a fundamental transformation — and Carstens Consulting Global provides the regional expertise and operational depth that allow our clients to move decisively.
Our approach is built on direct, on-the-ground engagement across Romania, the Balkans, and the wider Black Sea region. We don't offer theory. We offer access, clarity, and results.
Record defense spending across NATO's eastern flank
Accelerating EU integration across the Balkans
Major energy infrastructure investment reshaping the region
Rapid growth of regional tech ecosystems and talent pools
David Carstens is the CEO and Founder of Carstens Consulting Global Inc., a U.S.-registered company focused on business development, market research, risk assessment, business intelligence, and asset protection solutions globally with emphasis on Southeast Europe and the Black Sea Region.
From 2018 to 2023, David served at the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest as Chief of the Military Liaison Office, where he played a key role in coordinating bilateral military-to-military and security activities between the United States and Romania. This posting cemented the deep regional relationships and on-the-ground understanding that underpin the company's operations today.
Prior to his diplomatic role, David served 30 years in the United States Army as a Military Intelligence Officer, achieving the rank of Colonel and assuming positions of increasing responsibility. Career highlights include commanding U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, Germany (2012–2014), and holding Joint assignments at both the National Security Agency (NSA) and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
David works closely with the Romanian think tank New Strategy Center and the European Atlantic Resilience Center as a subject matter expert. He is Romania's founding Chapter President for the Association of the United States Army (AUSA).
Izel Selim brings over a decade of experience in strategic advisory, international cooperation, and business development across the transatlantic security and defense space to her role at CCG.
For nearly eight years (2017–2025), Izel served as Programs Manager at New Strategy Center (NSC), Romania's leading foreign policy and defense think tank. At NSC she managed high-level programs including the Black Sea and Balkans Security Forum, NATO 2030 young leaders consultations, and international cooperation initiatives with allied institutions and governments.
She also served as an Expert with the International Republican Institute's Transatlantic Security Initiative, focused on countering authoritarian influence, bolstering democratic resilience, and advancing strategic partnerships across the Euro-Atlantic space.
In parallel, Izel founded Balkan S. Consulting, a strategic consulting firm specializing in communications and business development. Through its creative brand necalli perfumes, the firm also bridges strategy with artistic expression — embodying the fusion of strategic thinking with bold, unconventional craftsmanship.
We go beyond service delivery. From intelligence to execution, we operate as an extension of your team.
Regional intelligence gathering and analysis
Connecting clients with the right institutions and partners
Designing market entry and operational plans
Supporting partnerships, negotiations, and implementation
Actionable insights driven by deep regional expertise and analytical capabilities. Our multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive threat analysis, competitive intelligence, and market opportunity assessments that support strategic decision-making and risk mitigation.
Integrated security solutions for physical and digital assets. Comprehensive vulnerability assessments, threat modeling, customized security protocols, and insider threat mitigation ensuring organizational resilience through proactive risk management.
Professional close protection services and executive security. Comprehensive personal security solutions tailored to high-risk environments and high-profile individuals operating across the region.
Strategic security consulting including risk assessment, security architecture design, crisis management protocols, and operational security planning for organizations operating in complex environments.
Operational, political, and security risk identification and mitigation across SE Europe. Integrating regional intelligence with global best practices for comprehensive threat landscape analysis and actionable strategies.
Strategic growth through targeted partnerships, expert advisory, and proprietary market intelligence. Identifying market entry opportunities across Romania, the Balkans, and the Black Sea region.
Comprehensive analysis, competitive intelligence, and opportunity assessment for Southeast European markets. Data-driven insights and customized tactical approaches for strategic positioning and investment decisions.
Connecting clients with stakeholders, regulatory pathways, and commercial opportunities. End-to-end support from initial assessment through partnership facilitation and operational implementation.
Hover each location to reveal its regional network connections.
Leading institutions, defense organizations, and corporate partners across the transatlantic space.
Gradient MarineMaritime
Sofia Tech ParkInnovation Hub
StarC4sysTechnology
InterdilligenceIntelligence
Safetech InnovationsCybersecurity
CBREReal Estate
New Strategy CenterThink Tank
Euro-Atlantic ResilienceNGO
TNT ProductionMedia
THEONDefense TechStrategic intelligence and regional commentary from the ground.
At the anniversary celebration in Bucharest, David Carstens made the case for elevating commercial diplomacy alongside the well-established defense partnership between the…
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The CEO of Carstens Consulting Global represented the AUSA Prince Cuza Chapter — Bucharest at this year’s “Ziua Veteranilor de Război,” honoring…
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As global markets continue to shift and evolve, the economic relationship between the United States and Romania is quietly gaining momentum. American…
Read →Download our latest regional intelligence brief — positioning, risk, and opportunity analysis.
Entering or expanding in Southeast Europe requires more than market research. It requires trusted local insight, strategic relationships, and operational experience. That is where we help.
Whether you're exploring market entry into Southeast Europe, seeking business intelligence, or looking for a trusted partner on the ground.
