René Zittlau, born in 1960, is a graduate linguist (equivalent to a degree in Slavonic studies plus interpreting school). He worked for the intelligence service, and later in the private sector as managing director for companies in various industries, primarily in Central and Eastern European countries. His experience of living in these countries for many years, as well as his knowledge of several Eastern European languages – Russian, Czech, Slovak – allow him an independent view of political and economic events in the respective countries.