Estonia at the Front Line: Security, Resilience, and Technology: A Discussion with the Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal

Join us for an engaging discussion with Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia Kristen Michal on:

Estonia at the Front Line: Security, Resilience, and Technology: Security, Europe, and Technology

Estonia sits at the intersection of some of the defining challenges of our time. Bordering Russia and on NATO’s eastern flank, Estonia has had to make security and resilience a national priority. At the same time, it has emerged as one of the world’s most digitally advanced societies. For Estonia, security, agility and innovation are not abstract ideas -- they are necessities.

In this conversation with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, we will explore what it means to lead a country on NATO’s eastern flank at a time of profound geopolitical change; why the outcome of Russia’s war against Ukraine will shape Europe and the wider world; and how Europe can take greater responsibility for its own security.

We will also discuss Estonia’s remarkable evolution into one of the world’s most advanced digital societies, its ambitions in artificial intelligence, and what smaller countries can teach us about adapting when new technologies are reshaping economies, governments and societies.

The discussion will be moderated by Michael McFaul, Ken Olivier and Angela Nomellini Professor of International Studies, Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies and at the Woods Institute for the Environment.

Kristen Michal has served as Prime Minister of Estonia since July 2024. He leads one of the world’s most digital countries, with a strong focus on the next wave of innovation: AI. His government aims to make Estonia one of the world’s top 10 innovation leaders, accelerate the use of AI across the economy and public sector, and create an environment where new technologies and companies can grow and scale. Estonia has spent decades building a digital state where almost all public services are available online. Today, the country is focused on bringing the same ambition to AI, from education and public services to business, science and defence. Prime Minister Michal has made innovation, competitiveness and the smarter use of technology central to Estonia’s economic agenda. Security is another defining priority. Estonia is investing more than 5% of GDP in defence and has a rapidly growing defence technology sector. It is also one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters and advocates for a stronger European role in security and defence.

Before becoming Prime Minister, Michal served as Minister of Climate, Minister of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure, and Minister of Justice. As a member of parliament, he chaired the Economic Affairs Committee, working on telecommunications, e-services, cybersecurity and new transport solutions. He is also a reserve officer in the Estonian Defence Forces.

Opening remarks will be delivered by University Librarian Michael Keller.

The in-person event is free and open to the public. RSVP is requested.

This event is part of Global Conversations, a series of talks, lectures, and seminars hosted by Stanford University Libraries and Vabamu with the goal of educating scholars, students, leaders, and the public on the benefits of but also challenges related to sustaining freedom.