Born in the Southwestern part of Germany, Maximilian Rau moved first to Switzerland and then to Austria to pursue his studies with a focus on the politics and history of Eastern Europe. After obtaining his Master’s degree, he worked at the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) focusing on transnational threats in Southeastern Europe and Central Asia. A grassroots activist at heart, Max co-founded «Ponto», the European and foreign policy Think Tank in Vienna and sister organisation to foraus.

Max’ areas of interest are international security, corruption, and state-building. Thanks to his experience, education, and travels he feels at home all over Europe, especially it’s East. His favourite SDG is the number 10 («Reduce inequalities»).

At foraus, Max manages the various projects and the stakeholders of the Think Tank.