The Napoleonic Syndrome of Kaja Kallas

In June, Kaja Kallas, the former Estonian Prime Minister, submitted her resignation as the head of her country, to become the EU’s new Foreign Policy Chief. In simpler terms, she will be the top executive diplomat in Brussels; serving and promoting the EU’s diplomatic positions around the world. Unfortunately, Kaja Kallas’ obsession with Russia, alongside her dangerous rhetoric, will not help the European Union at all. Her appointment probably comes at the worst time regarding EU diplomacy. In a period where improvement of diplomatic relations and peace talks should be on top of the EU’s agenda, the placement of Kaja Kallas in this important position serves as a reminder of the dissociation that the political elite of Europe has with the real situation in the Union.

The Napoleon Syndrome, or Napoleonic Complex, is a term named after Napoleon Bonaparte, the first Emperor of the French. It is a term that is attributed to men of a shortened height who tend to express signs of direct or indirect aggression. However, historians have revealed that Napoleon’s height was actually average for the period he lived in, and it was mostly British newspapers of the time that engaged in the mockery, as part of a propaganda war against the French. Regardless, I choose to incorporate this term in a more politically sensible way. Kaja Kallas is known to have expressed dangerous and undiplomatic views against neighboring Russia, describing perfectly the above written term. A smaller country, displaying an aggressive stance against a much bigger country. Before I expand further, let’s investigate who is the new face of EU diplomacy? 

Kaja Kallas served as the Estonian Prime Minister from 2021 until 2024. She was the first female Prime Minister that served in Estonia. Kallas built her early political career on the dangerous rhetoric against neighboring Russia, and her endless support for the Zelenskiy regime in the Ukrainian war, that has cost the lives of thousands of people, left millions displaced and has created huge economic burdens to all EU members states that have sent economic and military aid to Ukraine.

With her appointment to one of the EU’s top positions, different interview videos of her have resurfaced on the internet where she has stated, over and over again, her warmongering ideas regarding breaking Russia to pieces. In her own words at the Lennart Meri Conference:

“Russia’s defeat is not a bad thing, because then there could be a real change in the society. There are many different nations right now that are part of Russia and I think if you had more small nations it would not be a bad thing if the big power is smaller”. 

Adopting a more confrontational stance against Russia is the last thing that we need in Europe right now. Unfortunately, the appointment of Kaja Kallas might signal a new turning point in the whole direction that the EU will take in the upcoming years. The fragmentation of Russia does not represent a realistic future scenario, let alone a peaceful one. This statement, of course, comes as no surprise, as Ms. Kallas is no stranger to warmongering statements and proposals. 

Take for example her statements back in February regarding seizing frozen Russian assets before the U.S Presidential elections in November. For Ms. Kallas, the legality of this action seems to be of no concern, as she has stated that this move will be a useful tool in providing Ukraine with additional financial aid and isolate Russia politically and apply further economic pressure through sanctions. Sanctions that, of course, have proved to do minimal to no damage at all to the economy and political stance of Russia around the world.

This ongoing confrontation has seen retaliation from Russia. Ms. Kallas has been put on a wanted list for removing and desecrating Soviet-era WWII memorials in Estonia. In my view, this can only be a tit for tat strategy from Russia that will not become a reality. However, this constant tug-of-war between the EU and Russia harms only the people residing in the EU. 

Instead of advocating for war without officially declaring it, EU officials need to pursue a more pragmatic and peaceful resolution. I believe we should pursue the Hungarian peace model, advocated by Viktor Orbán. Since Hungary now holds the Presidency of the Council of Europe, Mr. Orbán has made diplomatic trips to Ukraine, Russia and China in order to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the war. It comes as no surprise that Kaja Kallas was one of the first politicians that went against Viktor Orbán, stating that he does not represent the EU and instead he is exploiting the position of his country to sow confusion amongst EU states. To that statement, one has to wonder. If peace and harmonious coexistence amongst neighboring states is not a European value, what exactly defines an EU value?

I do not believe that Ms. Kallas’ rhetoric will last long, especially since she is expected to assume her new position in November. November will be a catalyst month regarding the course of EU politics and the course of war in Ukraine. With the U.S Presidential elections taking place that month, the whole of Europe will be anticipating the results and who wins, as that might mean an end to the war, if, of course, Donald Trump gets elected. The former U.S President has stated that he will immediately end the war in Ukraine and withdraw any military aid. If that is the case, we must wait and see what the future holds for our Union. 

Until that time, I sincerely hope that Ms. Kallas’ rhetoric and dangerous positions regarding Russia will change. A very optimistic thought that might not become a reality. Nevertheless, the EU values do not consist of war and destruction and we must never forget that. People want peace and no matter how much Kaja Kallas advocates for the opposite, the people of Europe have made their voices clear. It is time to realize what truly makes us part of the European Union, and stop shooting ourselves in the foot by having the wrong people in  political positions, pulling the strings and driving us to desperate and macabre situations.

Image: European Union