Mikhail Gorbachev is living proof that the word is mightier than the sword; that ideas, not armies, change the world. Dedicated to ridding humanity of the threat of nuclear annihilation, Gorbachev called for multilateral action to forge a common future at a time when the superpowers were at loggerheads. Two key words, Perestroika and Glasnost, characterised his philosophy - words that came to represent change and freedom in the universal consciousness. Gorbachev's radical thought ignited sweeping reforms in the Soviet Union, inspired liberation movements across Eastern Europe, and thawed decades of Cold War enmity. For Gorbachev, environmental matters have always been inextricably bound up with peace, security and social justice. The transition from head of state of the USSR to president of a non-governmental organisation, Green Cross International, was therefore a natural one. "Mikhail Gorbachev: Prophet for Change" traces the evolution of his vision, in particular the origins and outcomes of his environmental agenda, which belong to the important legacy of the changes Gorbachev initiated in the Soviet Union and the world. Without these critical initiatives, the many advances of today's global environmental movement would not have been possible. This anthology, featuring select speeches and writings, as well as tributes from political contemporaries and partners in the environmental and peace movements, has been compiled by Green Cross International to celebrate Gorbachev's 80th birthday. The tributes from colleagues and friends - ranging from political heavyweights George Bush and Margaret Thatcher to renowned champions of sustainability Maurice Strong and Achim Steiner - reflect the esteem in which Mikhail Gorbachev is held, and the special place he occupies in the history of our times.
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Mikhail Gorbachev is a truly great man whose achievements extend well beyond the political arena; a man who has indisputably changed the course of history.A" - Giorgio Armani Gorbachev emerges as a leader in his own class, with the authority to call his peers - the leaders of the 21st Century - to action, and face the chal- lenges that must be addressed on a global scale. Today, his actions continue to remove barriers, exactly as they did 25 years ago.A" - Ricardo Lagos
About the Author
GREEN CROSS INTERNATIONAL (GCI) is an independent non-profit and non-governmental organisation that works to address the inter- connected global challenges of security, poverty eradication and environmental degradation through a combination of high level advo- cacy and local projects. GCI is headquartered in Geneva and has a growing network of national offices in over 30 countries. The call for setting up a 'Red Cross' for the environment was made during the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio. Having stated that 'after the fall of the Berlin Wall the most pressing challenge for humanity relates to the relationship between man and nature', former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev was asked to lead this effort and became the founder of Green Cross International. MIKHAIL GORBACHEV, born in 1931, was General Secretary of the Communist Party of the USSR from 1985 to 1991. As head of state he introduced the radical turnaround of his country's foreign and internal policies which led to a complete transformation of the Eastern Bloc and Europe. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990, and in 1991 resigned as Head of State. He became President of the Gorbachev Foundation in 1992, and since 1993 he has been President of Green Cross International. He is the recipient of numerous awards and the author of many publications including Memoirs and Manifesto for the Earth.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Gary Hart
Format:Paperback
As it becomes increasingly apparent that Mikhail Gorbachev played the crucial role at that hinge of history that ended the Cold War, this book will become an imperative source for students, historians, and the concerned public. As a compendium of vital documents from the period of the 1980s, 1990s, and beyond, it reveals an historic leader concerned with ending the dangerous arms race, breaking off the confrontation with the United States, and setting Russia on a new course. For decades to come, many of us--scholars and students alike--will be sifting through that era for guideposts for resolving epic confrontations and conflicts. This authoritative profile of a monumental figure will be absolutely necessary in that effort.
Gary Hart
Kittredge, Colorado
Gary Hart
Kittredge, Colorado
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
A fascinating insight into Gorbachev's history of environmental advocacy
8 May 2011
By Casper tK
Format:Paperback
A wonderful insight into the development of a global environmental leader - from the days of Perestroika to today's UN climate talks. For younger environmental activists like myself, this is a fascinating account of Gorbachev's work from his own writing as well as the numerous tributes from other former Heads of State.
Particularly his argument of how environmental sustainably is intricately linked to global peace and security resonates ever more strongly as we face brewing water and other resource conflicts.
Particularly his argument of how environmental sustainably is intricately linked to global peace and security resonates ever more strongly as we face brewing water and other resource conflicts.
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Understanding How Far We've Come
1 Sep 2011
By Jacob M
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
This book forces you to take a step back, and consider how far we've come in such a short time. As environmentalists, we constantly struggle against doubt that the problems we face in achieving a balanced planet are too large, that the incentives for the status quo are too easily accessed, for real change to occur. This book reminds us that if one can overcome the huge challenges and indeed conflicts of ideology that marred the 20th century, perhaps the great challenge of the 21st century, how we determine the quality of the world we want to live in, can also be addressed. With patience, persistence, and an ability to see other's points of view, one can achieve great things. An important book for those seeking motivation, proof that change for the better is possible.
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