Hillsdale College Center for Military History and Strategy Hosts Talk on America’s Relationship with Europe
Kristjan Prikk, the Estonian ambassador to the United States, spoke on “The Future of Europe: Why Should It Matter to America?”
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College’s Center for Military History and Strategy hosted Kristjan Prikk, the Estonian Ambassador to the United States, on Feb. 25 for a lecture titled “The Future of Europe: Why Should It Matter to America?” Prikk discussed the history of Estonia in relation to Europe and argued that America and Europe should maintain a strong relationship.
“There are no closer partners culturally, economically, politically than Europe in general and the United States, and we would both benefit from sticking together.”
“Over the last several decades, international relations between the United States and European countries and international organizations have become complicated and strained. But that does not mean they have become any less important,” said Professor of History Paul Rahe. “It was an honor to host and hear from Ambassador Prikk.”
Prikk said that Europe and the United States need each other’s economic, political, and military power to succeed against complex security threats, including from China and its allies.
“I sincerely believe that if we really take a look back, if we look around in the world, there are no closer partners culturally, economically, politically than Europe in general and the United States, and we would both benefit from sticking together,” Prikk said. “There are often frictions and imbalances in trade and elsewhere. I think we can work on that. I think we can fix that, and we will be better off after that. But let’s not break something that should work for us and could work for us also in the future.”
Prikk has served as the Estonian Ambassador to the United States since 2021. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tartu in Estonia and his master’s degree from the Strategic Studies Program of the United States Army War College. Prior to his current role, he performed required military service and occupied various posts in defense, national security, and foreign relations.
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About the Center for Military History and Strategy
The Center for Military History and Strategy (CMHS) studies warfare from all times and places to better our comprehension and military readiness. Its focus lies in academic research that joins military history with insights from strategic thinkers throughout history. By providing an education in the study of war and strategy, the CMHS strives to prepare scholars, officers, and policymakers to preserve those “inestimable blessings” of liberty in a world that continues to ignore the lessons of the past. For more information, visit warhistory.hillsdale.edu.