Agenda Profile: Marko Mihkelson
Debate on Foreign Policy as an Issue of Significant National Importance, initiated by the Foreign Affairs Committee
2024-02-13
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is strongly value-driven and focuses on defending the Western democratic world order against Russian aggression, which is viewed as an existential threat. The speaker demands Russia's strategic defeat in Ukraine and criticizes the allies for their strategic indecisiveness and fear of escalating the war. Estonian foreign policy must be aimed at providing continuous, unrestricted support for Ukraine and maintaining the unity of the vitally important allied space.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in analyzing international security and Russia's long-term aggressive strategy, tracing the chain of events starting from the 2007 Munich speech. He/She uses concrete examples of Russian influence operations (e.g., Wagner fighters in Catalonia) and the dysfunction of international organizations (such as the OSCE). Furthermore, the speaker is well-versed in the assessments provided by Ukrainian military and diplomatic leaders.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is urgent, resolute, and formal, stressing the existential threat and the necessity of acknowledging the reality of a "new world war." It employs both emotional appeals (citing Ukrainian heroes) and strategic analysis to persuade listeners of the need for a unified and active victory strategy from the West. A warning is issued against the political hesitation currently spreading among the allies.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The Speaker and the Foreign Affairs Committee have demonstrated highly active parliamentary engagement, citing recent joint visits to the USA, New York, and Taiwan. Visits to Ukraine, Norway, Japan, and South Korea are planned. This pattern of activity focuses on promoting Estonian interests and maintaining the unity of the allied space.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversary is Russia, which is described as a nuclear state forcefully changing the world order, supported by China, Iran, and North Korea. Criticism is also directed at the strategic disarray spreading among the allies and isolationist sentiments in the USA. Separately, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is criticized for moving against the common position of the allies, noting the emergence of "Orbán fatigue."
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the importance of a strong political consensus within the Riigikogu when formulating foreign and security policy, noting that disagreements have been overcome in pursuit of a common goal. Cooperation is close with colleagues from the Baltic and Nordic countries, with whom joint visits are organized. Support is being given to the candidacy of former colleague Indrek Saar for the post of Secretary General of the Council of Europe.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly international and regional, concentrating on strengthening the transatlantic alliance (NATO) and on Baltic-Nordic cooperation, while noting the pivotal importance of Finland’s and Sweden’s accession. Significant emphasis is also placed on promoting Estonian interests in the Indo-Pacific region (Taiwan, Japan, South Korea).
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are intrinsically linked to security, supporting high defense expenditures (a minimum of 3% of GDP) as an essential part of guaranteeing security. Emphasis is placed on the need to wisely attract foreign investment and to establish new opportunities for Estonian businesses to make their mark globally.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are not the focus of the speeches; the only mention is of Russia's support for European extremist forces "under the guise of protecting traditional values" with the aim of weakening the West. The overall emphasis is on defending democratic values and the rules-based world order.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on shaping key foreign policy issues and the parliamentary oversight of government activities. Significant achievements include the approval of the Riigikogu's foreign policy statements and assisting in the opening of a Taiwanese representative office in Tallinn. There is support for dissolving the OSCE and re-establishing it on new foundations.
9 Speeches Analyzed