Alexander Likhotal

Alexander Likhotal is a Russian political scientist, professor, and prominent international environmental advocate. He is best known for his long tenure as President and CEO of Green Cross International, an organization founded by former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Likhotal has been a key figure in global dialogues on sustainable development, nuclear disarmament, and ecological security, advising governments and international bodies.

Early life and education

Alexander Likhotal was born in 1950 in Moscow, then part of the Soviet Union. He pursued higher education at the prestigious Moscow State Institute of International Relations, a leading institution for training Soviet diplomats and foreign policy experts. His academic focus was on international relations and political science, fields that would underpin his future career in global policy and environmental diplomacy. This formative period during the Cold War deeply influenced his understanding of geopolitical dynamics and security issues.

Career

Following his graduation, Likhotal embarked on an academic career, becoming a professor and publishing extensively on Soviet foreign policy and international security. His expertise led him to a pivotal role as a political advisor to Mikhail Gorbachev during the period of perestroika and glasnost. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Likhotal's career shifted towards global civil society and environmental advocacy. He served in advisory capacities for various international initiatives and think tanks, including the Gorbachev Foundation, focusing on the intersection of security, development, and environmental challenges. His work often involved engagement with the United Nations and other multilateral institutions.

Green Cross International

In 2000, Alexander Likhotal was appointed President and CEO of Green Cross International, an organization founded by Mikhail Gorbachev in 1993 following the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Under his leadership, the organization expanded its global reach, championing programs in chemical weapon destruction, water security, and climate change adaptation. Likhotal spearheaded initiatives like the Earth Charter and mediated environmental conflicts in regions such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia. He worked closely with entities like the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Bank, positioning Green Cross International as a significant bridge between governments, scientific communities, and civil society in advancing sustainable development goals.

Publications and thought

Alexander Likhotal is a prolific author and thinker whose publications analyze the nexus of global security, environmental sustainability, and governance. His works, such as *"The New Security Concept: The Blueprint for Survival in the 21st Century"*, argue for a paradigm shift from traditional state security to comprehensive human security that includes ecological security. He has contributed chapters to numerous scholarly volumes and his articles have appeared in journals like *"Survival"* published by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Central to his thought is the concept of "environmental diplomacy" and the need for transformative policies to address interconnected crises like resource scarcity and global warming.

Awards and recognition

For his contributions to international diplomacy and environmental advocacy, Alexander Likhotal has received several awards and honors. He was awarded the Global Green USA Award for International Environmental Leadership. His work has been recognized by various governmental and non-governmental organizations across Europe and Asia. Likhotal is also a member of several high-level international boards and commissions dedicated to peace and sustainability, reflecting his standing as a respected voice in global policy circles.

Category:1950 births Category:Living people Category:Russian political scientists Category:Environmental activists Category:Moscow State Institute of International Relations alumni