CDAC's activities

There was the official presentation of the Russian Version of the “Essential Thoughts” book by Mikhail Gorbachev and edited by M.S.Karlen, Secretary General, Comprehensive Dialogue among Civilizations (CDAC), Researcher. The presentation was organised by the Gorbachev Foundation in collaboration with the Bricks Multimedia Center.

During the presentation the editor and CDAC Secretary General Michael S. Karlen spoke about the main goals of the book. At his speech he mostly focused on three points:

1. To let people discover the personality behind the headlines the thoughts, the feelings, the dreams, the motivations of Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev – mainly in his own words.

2. To capture the essential thoughts and message of Mikhail Sergeyvich, which are timeless and universal, and to promote them among the new generations of leaders.

3. To create a book that is attractive and inviting for today’s public, which wants to get everything quick and clear and in small portions.

M.S. Karlen also highlighted the different elements of his personality, his vision, life and work that are interwoven into the tapestry of his character and that have added to the phenomenal and colossal stature of Mikhail Gorbachev.

Two more books were presented during the evening: "Understanding Gorbachev - From Letters to Former USSR President" by V. Polyakov and  "Gorbachev -  Lesson of Freedom" by Ruslan Grinberg.

CDAC members from the Moscow Bureau participated in the launch of Suzanne Massie's new book “Trust But Verify: Russian Lessons for Reagan” that took place December 12, 2017 at the Gorbachev Foundation.

Since the inauguration of the Gorbachev-Reagan sculpture in July 2017, CDAC Secretary General S. M. Karlen has kept a close contact with Suzanne Massie. They have met several times over the past months to discuss future projects.

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The presentation of the Russian language version of Suzanne Massie’s “Trust But Verify: Russian Lessons for Reagan” turned out to be an unofficial meeting of the “multi-generational club of peace-makers and optimists”.

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Massie, 86, came from her home in Maine to attend the presentation of her memoir, which details her role as a private-citizen diplomat at the end of the Cold War. Published in English in 2013, the book tells the fascinating story of how her convictions and persistence got her into the Oval Office in 1984 to present her views about the Russian people to then President Ronald Reagan. He invited her back 20 more times through 1988. Her tutelage was influential in the Reagans’ burgeoning relationship with Mikhail and Raisa Gorbachev.

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 The daughter of a Swiss diplomat, Massie grew up in the United States. She stumbled on to her passion son’s hemophilia. The result was the best-selling book, “Nicholas and Alexandra” – the history of the Romanov family and its demise. She went on to write more books about Russia, including the best-selling “Land of the Firebird,” which Reagan read.    

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Despite her stoop and slow gait, Massie’s impish smile and tangible tenacity can convince anyone to subscribe to her mantra: one person can change the world, and everyone of us should try.

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Her passion for fomenting a better understanding between the people of the United States and Russia is her overarching theme. “Together we can help the world,” said Massie. “Keeping us apart only helps the devil. We need to show each other the best of ourselves, and that’s what I’m trying to do.”

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She maintains that the American people are very fond of Russians, despite the capricious nature of the relationship. “Russia is never predictable,” said Massie. “It reserves for itself surprises. That’s why I always say, Russia is a woman, and she is delightful.”

To visit Suzanne's Massie web-site:                                                                                     

In Moscow on Monday, July 3, 2017, the unveiling ceremony of the sculptural composition dedicated to the former presidents of the USSR and the USA - Mikhail Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan took place. The sculpture of Alexander Burganov is installed in Sivtsev Vrazhek pereulok, in front of the Burganov museum. The sculpture was inaugurated in the framework of the 37th annual Russia-US forum.

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Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev sent a message, in which he expressed his gratitude to the artist. He also urged Russians and Americans to abandon hostile rhetoric towards each other. "We and the whole world do not need a second cold war, we do not need a cold peace. Real world peace for all will be our common victory" - Mikhail Gorbachev emphasized in his address.

On November 19, 1985 in Geneva, the first meeting of Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev with US President Ronald Reagan took place, which is believed to have been a turning point in the history of relations between the two countries and marked the beginning of substantial arms reduction in both countries.

CDAC was represented by Michael S. Karlen who read a short statement. Mr. Karlen worked closely with the founder of CDAC, Vladimir Fedorovich Petrovsky, First Deputy Foreign Minister under President Mikhail Gorbachev.