By Months: Eerik-Niiles Kross

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in Estonian constitutional history and processes, referencing in detail the disputes of the 1992 Constitutional Assembly and earlier constitutional amendments (2003, 2007, 2011). He uses his identity as a historian ("as a historian") to lend weight to his arguments and provide a measured assessment of the debate.

The speaker demonstrates a profound command of foreign policy and diplomatic history, citing Lennart Meri’s 1994 speech and Jüri Luik’s first annual address. They employ complex historical concepts (the Peace of Westphalia, recurrent patterns, the 17th century) to analyze the current geopolitical situation. Specific emphasis is placed on their knowledge of US foreign policy trends (the Trump team, the freezing of USAID) and the resulting impact on Europe.

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise regarding Georgia's domestic and foreign policy, detailing the constitutional crisis, electoral anomalies, and international assessments (OSCE, European Parliament, Venice Commission). This expertise is grounded in historical comparisons (Russian aggressions, Putin's ascent to power, the Stalin era) and a deep understanding of geopolitical shifts in the South Caucasus. Particular attention is paid to describing the degradation of the rule of law in Georgia and the systematic repression of demonstrators.