Publications
Essential Thoughts by Mikhail Gorbachev:
Learning from the man who changed the world
Edited by Michael S. Karlen
This book sets out, in a concise form, the ideas and ideals, the spirit and vision that guided Mikhail Gorbachev in his world-changing agenda. It also offers Gorbachev’s insights into how each of us can help restoring humanist values and personal responsibility as the foundation of global politics. This wealth of wisdom is an invaluable resource for overcoming the huge social and environmental challenges that humanity faces today. The boundless optimism and confidence of this colossal world figure can inspire each of us to play our role, large or small, in helping to create a sustainable future for our planet Earth and all its inhabitants.
“We are one mankind, we are one planet! ” -- Mikhail Gorbachev
About the book: The book’s editor, Michael S. Karlen of Switzerland, has selected text passages by Mikhail Gorbachev to shed light on a number of current challenges such as the new political thinking, leadership and responsibility, US-Russia relations, climate change and more. Karlen says: “Having studied the subject for over two decades, I felt there was a huge treasure of wisdom, knowledge and practical know-how that should not be lost and that could be of great value and importance to overcome today’s challenges. I have attempted to gather these gems and present them in a concentrated and easily accessible format for a wider audience.”
The majority of texts in this book are selected from Mikhail Gorbachev’s books, speeches, letters and interviews, some never before available in English. Commentaries from contemporaries and historians related to Gorbachev and his work are added to give additional historical context and understanding of the Soviet leader’s impact. The book is richly illustrated with historic photographs that offer further glimpses into the personality of this fascinating world figure.
Vladimir Petrovsky: The Master Diplomat
Edited by Michael S. Karlen
This book gives insights into the life of Vladimir Petrovsky, an important figure in the political landscape of the second half of the 20th century. His diplomatic career took him from the ideologically confined Soviet system to the pinnacle of internationalism. The book highlights his significant contributions to many key processes, such as the Helsinki Final Act, Mikhail Gorbachev’s perestroika, disarmament and the strengthening of the United Nations.
Petrovsky describes the necessary tools to create a more inclusive world, a world where individual and collective security, development and self-determination are at the core of all deliberations and actions. These pages bring to light the extraordinary combination of capacities and qualities in an exemplary global citizen: intellectual brilliance, integrity, wisdom, compassion. We gain access to his private life and activities beyond the sphere of politics.
The tributes at the end of the book illustrate the deep and enduring personal impact of his life and work on statesmen, colleagues and friends. Vladimir Petrovsky envisioned a world where security and peaceful coexistence are a reality, whereunity flourishes in diversity, where the feeling of the oneness of all humanity prevails.