International Affairs Commentator, Kommersant FM Radio, Moscow

Konstantin von Eggert is a Russian analyst, consultant and journalist. He is an international affairs commentator for “Kommersant FM” radio in Moscow. He also writes a weekly column for the ‘RIA Novosti’ website. In 2009-2010 he worked as Vice-President for Public and Government Affairs for ExxonMobil Russia Inc., having been in charge of relations with the Russian Government, communications, political and economic analysis and charity projects. In 1998-2009 Mr. von Eggert was Senior Correspondent, and then Editor-in-Chief of the BBC Russian Service Moscow bureau. He also presented “Utro na BBC” (“BBC Morning”), the Russian Service flagship morning news and current affairs program. In 1992 – 1998 Mr. von Eggert was Diplomatic Correspondent, and later Deputy Foreign Editor of Izvestia daily. His assignments included, among other areas, the Middle East, Iraq, Iran, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and the Balkans. He also wrote on Russia-related issues for the “International Herald Tribune”, “The Times” of London, “Atlanta Journal and Constitution”, “Milliyet”, “Helsingin Sanomaat”, and “La Croix” and appeared on CNN, BBC, ARD and other major TV networks.

Mr. von Eggert started his career in the media in 1990 as a reporter for the Moscow daily “Kuranty” after discharging from the national army service. He has spent his army years (1987-1990) as an Arabic translator with the Russian military advisors’ mission in Sana’a, Yemen. Konstantin von Eggert is a member of the Royal Institute of International Affairs (London); member of the Editorial Board of “Pro et Contra”, the Carnegie Moscow Centre journal; member of the editorial board of the “Security Index” quarterly of the Centre for Political Studies in Russia.

He is a frequent lecturer at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, Royal College of Defense Studies in London and Wilton Park (UK), Uppsala and Lund Universities (Sweden). In 2008 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II presented Konstantin as an Honorary Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Also in 2008 President Valdas Adamkus awarded him Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of Lithuania.

Mr. von Eggert is also a recipient of various Russian journalism prizes, including the 2006 “Verbum Aurum” award of the Russian Media Union. Konstantin von Eggert is an honors graduate of the Moscow University Institute of Asian and African Studies (M.A. in history and Arabic language). He speaks English, French and Arabic.