CDAC's activities
Comprehensive Dialogue Magazine, #2
Our latest background publication on defending Light and Liberty
May, 2022
Comprehensive Dialogue Magazine, #1
A deeper look at the Climate Crisis, future scenarios and possible solutions
January, 2022
Official Presentation of the new CDAC Publication "Phenomena Mikhail Gorbacheva"
("Essential Thoughts" book in Russian language)
BRICS Multimedia Center, Moscow
April 22, 2021
Michael S. Karlen interviewed by Bricks TV
BRICS Multimedia Center, Moscow
April 21, 2021
Mikhail Gorbachev’s “Essential Thoughts”
The New CDAC Publication
February 20, 2021
'Russian Lessons for Reagan' Launch at Gorbachev Foundation
The Gorbachev Foundation, Moscow
December 12, 2017
The Unveiling Ceremony of the Gorbachev-Reagan Statue
Burganov Museum, Moscow
July 3, 2017
Open Interactive Seminar at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations
“UN today: Deals and People. From Vladimir Petrovsky to António Guterres”
December 7, 2016
Meeting at the Foreign Ministry of Russia
December 24, 2015
Official Presentation of the book "Vladimir Petrovsky: the Master-Diplomat" in Moscow
Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
December 8, 2015
Official Presentation of the book "Vladimir Petrovsky: the Master-Diplomat" in Geneva
UN Library, Palais des Nations
December 3, 2015
A Memorial Ceremony for Vladimir Petrovsky
Foreign Ministry of the Russian Federation, Moscow
April 23, 2014
Kulanshi Art Forum: Archigulle in Kazakhstan
Astana, Kazakhstan
Otober 17 - November 13, 2008
Bahrain Dialogue of Civilizations Conference
Manama, Bahrain
Otober 29, 2008
World Public Forum Dialogue of Civilizations Conference
Rhodes, Greece
October 10-14, 2007
The International Conference on Islamic Civilization in Central Asia
Astana, Kazakhstan
September 4, 2007
East-West Dialogue
Barcelona, Spain
October 23-24, 2006
New Publication by Vladimir Petrovsky
"The Triad of Strategic Security of the Global Society"
English Translation
October, 2006
World Public Forum Dialogue of Civilizations Conference
Rhodes, Greece
September 30, 2006
Media Workshop for Journalists on Understanding and Reporting Religion
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
May 28, 2006
The International Conference
"Caucasus without conflicts and terrorism. Civilization Dialogue on the Causasian Crossroads"
Yerevan, Armenia
May 16-18, 2006
Comprehensive Dialogue Magazine, #2
Our latest background publication on defending Light and Liberty
May, 2022
Comprehensive Dialogue Magazine, #1
A deeper look at the Climate Crisis, future scenarios and possible solutions
January, 2022
Official Presentation of the new CDAC Publication
"The Phenomena of Mikhail Gorbachev"
"Essential Thoughts" book in Russian language
The BRICS Multimedia Center, Moscow
April 22, 2021
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.







Michail Gorbachev's "Essential Thoughts"
The new CDAC Publication
February 20, 2021
Mikhail Gorbachev’s “Essential Thoughts” is an important contribution to understanding Gorbachev and his New Thinking. There is indeed much that we can learn from Gorbachev at a time when cynical politicians seem bent on destroying his legacy. I am sure that the book’s message will resonate with new generations of leaders who will see Mikhail Gorbachev not as a failure or a tragic figure but as a man whose ideas and enduring achievements will keep changing the world.
Pavel Palazhchenko
Chief English Interpreter for Mikhail Gorbachev
Head of the Press Office, The Gorbachev Foundation
Mikhail Gorbachev
ESSENTIAL THOUGHTS
(Edited by Michel S.Karlen)
This excellent book presents a rare collection of the words and thoughts of this great statesman; past, present as well as challenges for the future of the world. It is filled with his humanity, experience and vision. In our suffering and challenging time, his words bring us inspiration and hope. Mikhail Gorbachev was a courageous and far seeing leader who not only changed his country – but the world. A must read for every thoughtful citizen.
Suzanne Massie
Author “Trust but Verify”
Specialist Russian culture
Advisor to President Reagan 1984-1988
Three books dedicated to Mikhail Gorbachev have been presented in Moscow
MOSCOW, 22 April. /TASS/.
Presentation of books "Understanding Gorbachev - From Letters to Former USSR President", "Gorbachev - Lesson of Freedom" and "The Phenomenon of Mikhail Gorbachev - Understanding the World-Class Personality," dedicated to the first and only president of the Soviet Union, was held at the Moscow International Multimedia Centre on Thursday.
"For many years we have been publishing works by Mikhail Sergeyevich, books about him and his time. Of course, it is absolutely no coincidence that these books have come together. They are very different," said Oleg Zimarin, General Director of the Whole World Publishing House.
The collection compiled by a group of authors edited by Ruslan Grinberg, Gorbachev. A Lesson in Freedom" includes texts written for Gorbachev's 90th birthday by participants and eyewitnesses of perestroika on the role of the Soviet president. "It is an analytical portrait of Gorbachev's time and his policies," Zimarin believes.
Letters from Gorbachev's associates, the USSR leader's correspondence with other heads of state and politicians and texts in the Gorbachev Foundation are presented in Vladimir Polyakov's book "Understanding Gorbachev. From Letters to the Former President of the USSR".
"The collection of letters created in the Gorbachev Foundation is completely informal, it gives another dimension to what we understand and think about him," Zimarin said.
In the book "The Phenomenon of Mikhail Gorbachev. Understanding the Personality of the World" by Michael Karlen presents Gorbachev's thoughts and statements in a grouped form from sources published in Russia. Karlen, when talking about his aims in working on the collection, noted that he wanted to "preserve in history the basic ideas" of Gorbachev and "write a book that would be of interest to the present generation".
Original Tass message in Russian: https://tass.ru/obschestvo/11223347
Michael S. Karlen Interview by BRICS TV
BRICS Multimedia Center, Moscow
April 21, 2021
'Russian Lessons for Reagan' Launch at Gorbachev Foundation
The Gorbachev Foundation, Moscow
December 12, 2017










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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
The Unveiling Ceremony of the Gorbachev-Reagan Statue
Burganov Museum, Moscow
July 3, 2017
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.
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.
Suzanne Massie, an ex-adviser of President Reagan that helped him in negotiations with president Gorbachev. She came to Moscow specially for the Ceremony. Photo: CDAC
Suzanne Massie and sculptor Alexander Burganov unveiled a sculpture that perpetuated the meeting between two presidents - Gorbachev and Reagan. Photo: Sergey Teterin
Suzanne Massie is sharing her admiration of working with both presidents. Photo: CDAC
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. Photo: CDAC
The initiator of the project, the president of the American University in Moscow Edward Lozansky. Photo: CDAC
The statue unveiled. Photo: CDAC
Enjoying the moment of unveiling. Photo: CDAC
The Composer Alexander Zhurbin invited the singers and audience to recollect the songs of those times. Photo: CDAC
The Slideshow dedicated to both presidents - Gorbachev-Reagan Statue
by Yu. Tsybenko (copyright © CDAC 2017)
Suzanne Massie: a Bridge between two Presidents
by Yu. Tsybenko (copyright © CDAC 2017)
