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As David writes, “The authors of the Declaration of Independence understood that only a government that acknowledges a source of legitimacy over and above politics can protect the individual from the state. If men are ‘endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,’ no collective entity has a right to total domination.”

Drawing on the history of the Decembrists, the Soviet dissident movement, and the Helsinki Groups, the essay argues that Russia’s path to freedom depends not simply on political change, but on embracing the enduring principles of inherent human dignity, individual liberty, and limited government embodied in the Declaration of Independence.

Read the full essay in The Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/opinion/russia-could-use-some-american-ideals-d32889b6?eafs_enabled=false

Why Putin Will Not End the War in Ukraine

In this analysis published by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, former U.S. congressman Don Ritter argues that Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine is driven not by national interests or NATO expansion, but by the Kremlin’s need to preserve its own power. Citing longtime Russia expert David Satter, Ritter explains that the invasion was intended to suppress internal dissent and legitimize authoritarian control — even at enormous human and economic cost.

The article recounts a pattern of violence and corruption throughout Putin’s career, from alleged false-flag bombings in 1999 to the annexation of Crimea and the current mass casualties in Ukraine. As casualties rise and domestic pressures grow, continuing the war has become a matter of regime survival. Stopping now, Ritter warns, could trigger Putin’s downfall — and possibly his death.

Ritter concludes that only a decisive shift in Western strategy, significantly increasing military and economic support to Ukraine, can alter Putin’s calculations and force an end to the war.

Read the full article here:
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/insight/2025/09/28/putin-russia-war-ukraine-don-ritter/stories/202509270003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

remembrancesociety.org

Washington, DC  —  On December 6 the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Crucial Communism Teaching Act with a vote of 327–62. The bill, introduced by Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) and cosponsored by 33 members of the House, seeks to address a gap in the education system related to the history of communism.

“Communism is one of the most destructive political ideologies the world has ever seen,” Rep. Maria Salazar said when reintroducing the bill earlier last year. “The Crucial Communism Teaching Act is important because our youth must remember the crimes of the communists, including those inflicted upon my constituents and their families in Florida’s 27th district.”

Chairman of The Remembrance Society (TRS) Former Congressman Don Ritter stated, “Today on International Human Rights Day The Remembrance Society applauds Congressman Maria Salazar and the U.S. House of Representatives for their leadership on passing the Crucial Communism Teaching Act. This important legislation will help ensure that Americans know the truth about the destructive nature of communist and totalitarian ideologies… to oppose them in the present and to prevent them in the future. We urge the U.S. Senate to also pass the bill expeditiously.”

“As the U.S. representative for Florida’s 26th district, home to many exiles from Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and other oppressive regimes, I stand with those who have been forced into exile in search of freedom in the United States. For that reason, I proudly cosponsored the Crucial Communism Teaching Act, alongside my colleague and fellow South Floridian Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, which recently passed the House. In a world where freedom, democracy, human rights, and individual liberty are increasingly at risk, it is crucial that our youth understand the historical context and deadly consequences of communism, which has led to the deaths of more than 100 million people. By fostering this understanding, we equip our future leaders with the knowledge and wisdom necessary to safeguard the democratic principles upon which America was founded. The work of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation and The Remembrance Society in developing a civic education curriculum and oral history resources for high school students is critical to ensuring that future generations understand the grim consequences of dangerous ideologies that contradict the foundational principles of American democracy. This important legislation reflects our commitment to preserving the values of freedom and democracy and to standing in solidarity with those who continue to struggle for basic human rights around the world. I look forward to continuing to strengthen our resilient and flourishing democracy at home and to help those still seeking to be free,” said Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart.

Founding TRS Vice Chairman, Trustee, and Director of Education Programs David Satter, one of the most respected experts on the history of the Soviet Union where he lived as a correspondent for the London Financial Times for six years, stated, “Unfortunately, a knowledge of the history of totalitarian regimes is sadly lacking in the West. This is why educating students and commemorating totalitarianism’s victims is so important. True knowledge creates an important barrier in the way of those who seek unlimited power and are indifferent to the cost in human lives. By reaffirming the value of those who were killed, it can also help guide political choices necessary for a better future.”

Maximo Alvarez, President of Sunshine Gasoline Distributors Inc, one of the largest gasoline distributors in Florida, and Founding Trustee of The Remembrance Society, stated “My family has fled totalitarianism and communism more than once. I heard the promises of Fidel Castro and I will never forget all those who grew up around me—who looked like me, who suffered, starved, and died because they believed the empty promises of these regimes. Those empty promises and ideas are being repeated here in America today—young Americans must be educated about the truth of totalitarian ideology, and why the system of government and liberty that sets America apart must be respected and protected.”

Founding TRS Executive Director and Trustee Kristina Olney, who was honored to work with Congressman Salazar and her team on the introduction of this incredibly important bill, which had over 60 Members of Congress co-sponsoring upon introduction of the bill in 2022,  stated , “Educating people about the crimes of totalitarian regimes is the only way to prevent the totalitarian horrors of the twentieth century from being repeated. The fight for human freedom against totalitarian oppression is still being waged every day, and we are committed to standing for truth, memory, and liberty.”

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson (R-LA) also applauded the House of Representatives for the passage of the bill stating “Communism has a long, dark history of political suppression, persecution, and violence. Unfortunately, the realities of communism are often overlooked or downplayed in our educational system, allowing malign foreign actors to push their agendas and influence American institutions. As we face growing challenges from adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party, the Crucial Communism Teaching Act takes a stand against this dangerous trend. It is more important than ever that our students are taught the true dangers of communism and the importance of safeguarding our freedoms.”

Please direct any media inquiries to info@remembrancesociety.org or (202) 355-9422.

Friday, November 8, 2024
remembrancesociety.org

Washington, DC — Violent attacks targeting Jews took place in Amsterdam on Thursday evening following a soccer match that left a number of Israelis wounded. Antisemitic mobs hunted down dozens of Israeli soccer fans who had traveled to Amsterdam to watch Israeli soccer team Maccabi Tel Aviv play in the Dutch capital, some of whom were violently run down, beaten, and stabbed, leaving five Israelis hospitalized.

Following the attacks, the government of Israel dispatched planes to the Netherlands to evacuate Israelis at risk back to Israel and urged those staying to remain in their hotels and not wear any visible signs of Jewish or Israeli identity on the street until they could return safely.

All this, about a year after the greatest violence against Jews since the Holocaust on October 7 when Hamas terrorists stormed into Israel, murdering, torturing, burning alive, raping and dismembering pregnant women and babies in front of their families. Sadly, these unspeakable crimes against some 1200 Jews, a number equivalent to more than 35,000 Americans, have stimulated many in America and the West to protest and demonstrate on Hamas’ behalf.

On November 9–10, 1938, Nazi leaders unleashed a series of pogroms against the Jewish population in Germany and recently incorporated territories. This event came to be called Kristallnacht (The Night of Broken Glass) because of the shattered glass that littered the streets after the vandalism and destruction of Jewish-owned businesses, synagogues, and homes. The attacks against Jews in Amsterdam took place on November 7, two days before the anniversary of Kristallnacht.

Congressman Don Ritter, Founding Chairman of The Remembrance Society, stated: “The ‘Pogrom’ of hatred and violence perpetrated against Jews in the Netherlands last night brought to mind the historic National Socialist Party (Nazi) violence against the Jewish people. Nazism, Fascism, Communism and Radical Islam share common ground in their respective versions of totalitarian ideology. All demand complete subservience of the individual to a faith posited to achieve a greater good for all. They all condone, indeed promote, violence as a means to achieve that ‘greater good’. The Remembrance Society is dedicated to better educating and communicating the horrors of totalitarian ideologies and their destructive impact on people, peace and progress.”

According to data compiled by The Remembrance Society experts, between 1933-1945, an estimated 16 million people were murdered (not including those killed in battle) by the Nazis including 6 million Jews during the Holocaust. The history of totalitarianism in the twentieth century is too little known in the West. This is why educating students and commemorating the victims is so important. Knowledge of the crimes of past totalitarian tyrants can be an important barrier to future dictators seeking unlimited power without concern for the human cost of their ambitions.

Kristina Olney, Founding Executive Director of The Remembrance Society, stated: “It is unfathomable that a pogrom the likes of which were seen in 1930s Germany has happened again in Europe. We condemn in the strongest terms the violent antisemitic attacks that took place, and urge the vigilance of the governments of Europe and the international community against a resurgence of this evil ideology. The Remembrance Society believes that the best way to prevent the horrors of the twentieth century from being repeated is to advance knowledge of the history and ideology of totalitarianism and we are dedicated to achieving this and to exposing the crimes of totalitarianism in all its evil forms.”

Please direct any media inquiries to info@remembrancesociety.org or (202) 355-9422.

Washington, DC / Prague — Czech leaders will honor Russian political prisoners at an international gala and conference being held on November 12-14 at the historic Palace Lichtenštejn in Prague to mark the 35th anniversary of the collapse of communism in Europe.

Oleg Orlov, co-chair of the Russian human rights group Memorial, will receive the “Resistance and Solidarity Award” of The Remembrance Society (TRS) on behalf of the more than 700 political prisoners currently held in Russia, at a gala dinner ceremony on November 13 at the Lobkowicz Palace. The dinner will also feature remarks by Lech Wałęsa, former President of Poland and Solidarity leader, Kamila Bendova, widow of Charter 77 leader Václav Benda.

The three-day event will explore the continuing influence of totalitarian ideologies and feature panel discussions by leading experts, scholars, journalists, and public officials on themes such as reckoning with the communist past, the politics of memory, legal continuity after 1989, and education on totalitarian crimes.

“We must preserve the physical and narrational traces of what happened under communism and pass them on to future generations,” said Ambassador Martin Palouš, TRS Founding Trustee and Director of International Cooperation. “We must listen attentively to the almost inaudible voices of the weak, the downtrodden, and those who were victimized and did not manage to escape.”

The announcement of the award laureate coincides with the International Day of Political Prisoners, a commemoration observed in Russia since 1991 and rooted in dissident movements stretching back to 1974 under the Soviet Union.

“The truth that those who cannot remember the past are doomed to relive it seems more important than ever as today’s information-overloaded society buries the vital lessons history,” said TRS Founding Chairman and former US Congressman Don Ritter. “The Remembrance Society counters this trend by telling and communicating compelling stories of past experience that powerfully impact both present and future.”

The conference and gala are organized by The Remembrance Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating people about the crimes and present dangers of totalitarianism, in cooperation with the Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes, the Vaclav Havel Library, the Casla Institute, and Post Bellum.

Other notable speakers will include Martin Dvořák, Czech Minister for European Affairs, Edward Lucas, former senior editor at The Economist, Jan Špringl, Head of Education at the Terezín Memorial, Igor Lukeš, professor of history at Boston University, and David Satter, Vice Chairman of The Remembrance Society.

“Educating people about the crimes of totalitarian regimes is the only way to prevent the horrors of the 20th century from being repeated,” said TRS Founding Executive Director and Trustee Kristina Olney. “The fight for human freedom against totalitarian oppression is still being waged every day, and on this International Day of Political Prisoners we stand in solidarity with the 700+ individuals imprisoned today in Putin’s Russia and urge the international community to demand their immediate release.”

Please direct any media inquiries to info@remembrancesociety.org or (202) 355-9422.

Venezuela, once one of Latin America’s most prosperous nations, now stands as a stark reminder of how quickly a country can spiral into crisis under totalitarian rule. The recent history of Venezuela is marked by severe political turmoil, widespread economic collapse, and a society grappling with the repercussions of authoritarian governance. In this article, we will explore the complex layers of Venezuela’s ongoing crisis, from its deeply troubled political landscape to the devastating economic decline that has left millions in poverty. Additionally, we will examine the stance of the United Nations regarding the human rights situation in Venezuela and the strained relationships the country now holds with the international community.

The Remembrance Society, a nonprofit organization committed to documenting the horrors of totalitarianism, serves as a key voice in raising awareness about the dangers Venezuela faces today. Through their work, they shed light on the systematic erosion of democratic institutions, the suppression of dissent, and the growing isolation of Venezuela on the world stage. This article will delve into these critical issues, providing a comprehensive overview of how Venezuela’s decline impacts not just its citizens, but also its standing in global affairs.

From Hope to Despair: Venezuela’s Rapid Unraveling

The last 25 years in Venezuela have been a turbulent journey from the promise of a better future to the harsh realities of authoritarian rule. The election of Hugo Chávez in 1999 brought hope to many, as his Bolivarian Revolution aimed to uplift the poor through socialist reforms and wealth redistribution. However, the early optimism quickly gave way to economic mismanagement, with sweeping nationalizations, price controls, and a reliance on volatile oil revenues that led to severe financial instability. Chávez’s legacy left the country vulnerable, and when oil prices plummeted, Venezuela plunged into economic chaos, marked by skyrocketing inflation and mass shortages of essential goods.

When Nicolás Maduro took the reins in 2013, the situation spiraled further out of control. Maduro’s government has been defined by increasing authoritarianism, as democratic institutions were eroded, opposition voices were stifled, and corruption flourished. The economic crisis deepened into a full-blown humanitarian disaster, with millions fleeing the country in search of food, medicine, and safety. What was once a thriving nation has become a symbol of despair and repression, as the Venezuelan people continue to endure the consequences of a government that has failed to uphold their basic rights and dignity.

Power and Persistence: The Stranglehold of Venezuela’s Current Regime

Venezuela’s political landscape today is dominated by a regime that has clung to power through a combination of authoritarian tactics and systematic dismantling of democratic processes. Under the leadership of Nicolás Maduro, the government has maintained its grip on power despite widespread domestic opposition and international condemnation. The 2018 presidential election, widely criticized as fraudulent, solidified Maduro’s contested rule, leading to increased political repression. The regime has neutralized opposition leaders through arrests, exile, and disqualification from elections, ensuring that genuine democratic competition is virtually non-existent. Additionally, the government has heavily militarized its control, relying on the loyalty of security forces to suppress dissent and maintain order.

Despite the harsh realities, the opposition continues to fight for a democratic transition, though their efforts have been largely stymied by the regime’s stranglehold on power. The National Assembly, which remains the last vestige of democratic legitimacy, has been systematically undermined by Maduro’s government, which established a parallel, pro-government Constituent Assembly in 2017. Internationally, Venezuela’s political crisis has led to widespread isolation, with many countries and organizations refusing to recognize Maduro’s presidency. Yet, the regime persists, supported by key allies such as Russia, China, and Cuba, which provide economic and political backing. As the country remains in a state of political paralysis, the Venezuelan people continue to bear the brunt of a government that prioritizes its survival over the nation’s well-being.

Crushing Dissent: The Human Rights Nightmare in Venezuela

The Venezuelan government’s assault on human rights has become one of the most alarming aspects of its authoritarian rule. Under Nicolás Maduro, systematic human rights violations have become the norm, with state security forces and pro-government militias routinely employing violence, intimidation, and unlawful detentions to silence critics. Peaceful protests are often met with brutal force, leading to numerous deaths, injuries, and arbitrary arrests. Reports of torture, inhumane prison conditions, and forced disappearances are widespread, painting a grim picture of a regime that uses fear as a weapon against its own people.

The international community has condemned Venezuela’s human rights record, with organizations like the United Nations and Human Rights Watch documenting extensive abuses. The government’s crackdown extends beyond political dissent to include widespread suppression of freedom of speech, with independent media outlets being shut down, and journalists facing harassment or imprisonment for reporting the truth. The Maduro regime’s human rights violations have not only devastated the lives of countless Venezuelans but have also contributed to the country’s deepening isolation on the global stage. Despite international pressure and sanctions, the regime continues to trample on the basic rights of its citizens, perpetuating a cycle of repression and suffering.

Economic Collapse: The Unraveling of Venezuela’s Prosperity

Venezuela’s economy, once the crown jewel of Latin America, has suffered a catastrophic collapse that has plunged millions into poverty. The downfall began in earnest under Hugo Chávez, whose socialist policies and nationalization of key industries destabilized the economic foundation of the country. Chávez’s reliance on oil exports to fund expansive social programs created a fragile economy, overly dependent on fluctuating oil prices. When global oil prices dropped, the Venezuelan economy was left reeling, unable to sustain its spending or import essential goods. Inflation spiraled out of control, eventually leading to hyperinflation, where the value of the bolívar plummeted and basic necessities became unaffordable for most citizens.

Under Nicolás Maduro, the economic crisis has only deepened. The government’s continued mismanagement, combined with widespread corruption and international sanctions, has decimated what remained of Venezuela’s economic infrastructure. Hyperinflation has persisted, wiping out savings and reducing purchasing power to almost nothing. As a result, food, medicine, and other essential goods are scarce, leading to severe malnutrition and a humanitarian crisis. Millions of Venezuelans have fled the country in search of a better life, leaving behind an economy in shambles and a nation struggling to survive under the weight of its economic collapse. The once-thriving economy has been reduced to a shadow of its former self, with no clear path to recovery in sight.

The Exodus of Desperation: Venezuela’s Mass Migration Crisis

Since 2017, Venezuela has witnessed one of the largest mass exoduses in modern history, as millions of citizens have fled the country in search of safety, stability, and a chance at survival. The deepening economic crisis, widespread human rights abuses, and the collapse of public services have driven over 7 million Venezuelans to leave their homeland, creating a refugee crisis that has impacted the entire region. Neighboring countries such as Colombia, Peru, and Brazil have borne the brunt of this mass migration, struggling to accommodate the influx of refugees with limited resources. For many Venezuelans, the decision to leave is one of sheer necessity, as staying behind means facing the harsh realities of hunger, violence, and a lack of basic healthcare.

The impact of this mass migration is felt both by those who have left and those who remain. Families are torn apart, with many left behind to endure the worsening conditions. Those who flee often embark on dangerous journeys, facing exploitation, xenophobia, and precarious living conditions in their host countries. Meanwhile, the brain drain caused by the exodus has further crippled Venezuela’s prospects for recovery, as the nation loses its skilled workforce and educated professionals. The mass migration crisis not only highlights the severity of Venezuela’s internal collapse but also underscores the far-reaching consequences of a regime that has driven millions to abandon their homeland in a desperate search for a better future.

Diplomatic Isolation: Venezuela’s Strained Global Relations

Venezuela’s relationships with other countries have become increasingly strained as the nation’s political and economic crises have deepened. Under Nicolás Maduro’s leadership, Venezuela has found itself isolated on the global stage, with many countries refusing to recognize his government due to allegations of electoral fraud and human rights violations. The United States, Canada, and much of the European Union have imposed sanctions on Venezuela, targeting its leadership and economy in an effort to pressure the regime into restoring democracy. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s alliances with other authoritarian regimes, such as Russia, China, and Iran, have drawn criticism, as these countries provide economic and political support that helps Maduro maintain his grip on power.

Despite this support from a few international allies, Venezuela’s diplomatic isolation has severely impacted its ability to engage with the broader global community. Regional organizations like the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Lima Group have repeatedly condemned the Maduro government, calling for free and fair elections and the restoration of democratic institutions. This diplomatic tension has further exacerbated the country’s economic woes, as sanctions and international disapproval have cut off vital sources of trade and financial assistance. As Venezuela’s ties with the global community continue to deteriorate, the country remains entrenched in a cycle of isolation that deepens its internal crisis and limits its chances for recovery.

A Call for Accountability: The United Nations’ Stance on Venezuela

The United Nations has taken a firm stance on the crisis in Venezuela, consistently condemning the government’s human rights abuses and calling for urgent action to address the country’s humanitarian disaster. Various UN bodies, including the Human Rights Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), have documented extensive violations by the Venezuelan government, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and the suppression of freedom of expression. In multiple reports, the UN has highlighted the deteriorating conditions in Venezuela, urging the international community to hold the Maduro regime accountable for its actions and to provide assistance to the millions of Venezuelans suffering under its rule.

Despite these strong condemnations, the United Nations has faced challenges in implementing effective measures to resolve the crisis. The geopolitical complexities surrounding Venezuela, including the support of powerful allies like Russia and China, have made it difficult for the UN to enforce resolutions or take decisive action. Nonetheless, the organization continues to advocate for a peaceful and democratic solution to the crisis, emphasizing the need for dialogue, free and fair elections, and the protection of human rights. The UN’s position remains clear: the international community must not turn a blind eye to the suffering of the Venezuelan people, and accountability must be pursued to restore justice and stability in the country.

Repression and Control: The Crimes of Totalitarianism in Venezuela

Venezuela’s descent into totalitarianism has been marked by a series of crimes that underscore the brutal nature of the regime’s hold on power. The government, under the leadership of Nicolás Maduro, has systematically dismantled democratic institutions and concentrated power in the hands of a few, using state security forces to enforce its rule through violence and intimidation. Extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and torture have become tools of repression, employed to silence political opponents and instill fear in the population. The judiciary, once a pillar of democracy, has been co-opted to serve the regime’s interests, stripping away any semblance of justice or accountability for these crimes.

Beyond the physical repression, the Venezuelan government has also engaged in widespread censorship and the suppression of free speech, ensuring that dissenting voices are quashed before they can challenge the state’s narrative. Independent media outlets have been shut down, journalists harassed or imprisoned, and social media tightly monitored to control the flow of information. These actions reflect the broader strategy of totalitarian control—one that seeks to dominate every aspect of public and private life. The crimes committed by the Venezuelan government are not just violations of human rights; they are deliberate acts designed to entrench a system of total power, leaving the country trapped in a cycle of fear, suffering, and oppression.

A Nation in Crisis: The Urgent Need for Change in Venezuela

Venezuela’s ongoing crisis is a stark reminder of the devastating impact that totalitarianism, economic mismanagement, and human rights abuses can have on a nation. Over the past 25 years, the country has witnessed a dramatic decline from a promising democracy to an isolated, authoritarian state plagued by economic collapse and mass exodus. The Venezuelan government’s grip on power has been maintained through a brutal regime of repression, resulting in widespread human suffering and international condemnation. The United Nations and other global entities have called for accountability, but the challenges of enforcing change in a country backed by powerful allies remain formidable.

The path forward for Venezuela is fraught with challenges, but it is clear that meaningful change is necessary to restore hope and stability. The international community must continue to pressure the Maduro regime to uphold democratic principles and human rights, while also providing support for the millions of Venezuelans who have been displaced or left behind. The crimes of totalitarianism must be exposed and addressed, not only for the sake of justice but to prevent further deterioration of the country’s future. As Venezuela teeters on the brink, the world must not turn away; the fate of its people depends on a concerted effort to bring about real and lasting change.

PRESS CONFERENCE

Monday, September 23 at 3:30PM
National Press Club
First Amendment Lounge (13 th  Floor)
Washington, DC

Register here for a press conference of leading experts urging Congress to designate Russia a “state sponsor of terror” for its war in Ukraine, on the 25 th anniversary of the Moscow bombings that first brought Vladimir Putin to power.

Hosted by DC-based nonprofit The Remembrance Society, the conference will feature live remarks by historian and Vice Chairman of The Remembrance Society David Satter, Russian dissident and former Moscow FSB chief Evgeny Savostiyanov, former State Duma deputy Arkady Yankovsky, and human rights leader Katrina Lantos Swett, who will link Putin’s invasion of Ukraine to a chain of state violence stretching back a quarter-century.

The Russian apartment bombings in September 1999 in Moscow, Buinaksk, and Volgodonsk killed 300 people and injured 1,000, sparking a climate of fear that helped boost public support for Russia’s war in Chechnya and propel Putin to the presidency. Yet there is overwhelming evidence that the bombings were in fact carried out by Russia’s own security service, and hence that Putin rose to power through state violence against his own people — and hopes to keep it through similar tactics in Ukraine.

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its 32 nd month, bills are pending consideration in the US House and Senate to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism: House bill H.R.3979, would prohibit any defense exports and foreign aid flows to the country. Senate bill S. 4625 enumerates the many reasons why the state sponsor designation is justified. This follows the passage last Congress of Senate Resolution 623, which called for the State Department to make this designation, but did not require it.

Helsinki Commission Chairman Congressman Joe Wilson stated in his extension of Congressional remarks on June 13, 2024, “Author, professor, and journalist David Satter, a former Financial Times Moscow correspondent and former senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, has documented the basis of overwhelming evidence, the September 1999 apartment bombings which brought Putin to power were carried out by the Russian security services, and that the Putin regime has been illegitimate since the first day of his accession to power.”

Grasping this issue is vital to Americans’ understanding of a key foreign adversary in an election year. Similarities between the 1999 bombing and 2022 invasion — acts of terror designed to boost Putin’s domestic popularity — help demonstrate the regime’s nature as a threat to democracy, peace, and freedom worldwide, strengthening the case for defending Ukraine. Broadcasting the truth about the bombings is also crucial to reaching Russian citizens, whose
rising awareness of Putin’s record has fed domestic pressure to end the war.

To this end, the Russia experts will discuss the 25th anniversary of the bombings, their significance, the evidence for state involvement, and lessons for the present day.

David Satter is a leading Russia expert, journalist, historian, documentary film director; author of six books on Russia and the Soviet Union; and former Moscow correspondent for the Financial Times of London.

Arkady Yankovsky was a State Duma deputy from 1995 to 2000, when Putin replaced Yeltsin as President of Russia. He represented Novosibirsk, the capital of Siberia, in the Russian parliament.

Evgeny Savostiyanov is a Russian dissident and democracy advocate; former head of Russian state security’s Moscow office and deputy head of the Yeltsin administration; and author of Secret Services on the Edge and Democrat & Counterspy.

Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett is President of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice; former Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF); and lecturer on human rights and American foreign policy at Tufts University.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Millions were liberated from totalitarianism after the fall of the Soviet Union but the shadow of total domination by the State continues to haunt the modern world. More than 20 percent of the world’s people today live under authoritarian regimes that draw on the totalitarian legacy.

Even in the West, totalitarian ideas still influence the thinking of a section of the population as manifested by the curtailing of academic freedom. Totalitarian regimes and ideologues masked their intentions with ideological slogans, which is why people under their control in the twentieth century rallied to them often only to become the first victims, and also why their ideas continue to appeal particularly to younger generations.

The Remembrance Society (TRS) is dedicated to documenting and exposing the crimes of totalitarianism and to raising awareness about present totalitarian dangers. Our organization will publish materials and curricular resources, advocate for the adoption by schools of courses on the history of totalitarianism and materials commemorating the victims, promote the legacy of critical historical and intellectual leaders including Hannah Arendt and Vaclav Havel, and partner with organizations united in our mission to keep memory alive and advance liberty.

TRS is fortunate to have among its leadership some of the world’s foremost experts on the history of totalitarianism in the twentieth century, as well as leaders distinguished and diverse in their experience from business to government to education and advocacy.

Founding TRS Chairman and Trustee The Honorable Don Ritter has engaged in the fight against communism for over forty years as an activist, businessman, member of the U.S. Congress, and 20-year Board Member and Trustee Emeritus of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. Mr. Ritter issued the following statement:

“Starting with my life experience in the Soviet Union, I have been dedicated to exposing the brutal and deadening nature of communism. Over decades, I have worked to combat their efforts to invade, subvert and control the unwilling. I am proud to lead the work of TRS to document the crimes of totalitarianism, expose truth, advance awareness, advocate for liberty and perhaps most importantly, emphasize the legacy of totalitarianism in today’s world.

Founding TRS Vice Chairman, Trustee, and Director of Education Programs David Satter is one of the most respected experts on the history of the Soviet Union, where he lived as a correspondent for the London Financial Times for six years and actively sought out Soviet citizens to document their accounts on the Soviet totalitarian system. Based on this extensive research, he has already published six books on Russia and the Soviet Union, including Russia: It Was a Long Time Ago and It Never Happened Anyway: Russia and the Communist Past (Yale, 2011); Age of Delirium: the Decline and Fall of the Soviet Union (Knopf, 1996; paperback, Yale 2001); and Darkness at Dawn: the Rise of the Russian Criminal State (Yale 2003). Mr. Satter issued the following statement:

“Unfortunately, a knowledge of the history of totalitarian regimes is sadly lacking in the West. This is why educating students and commemorating totalitarianism’s victims is so important. True knowledge creates an important barrier in the way of those who seek unlimited power and are indifferent to the cost in human lives. By reaffirming the value of those who were killed, it can also help guide political choices necessary for a better future.”

TRS Trustee Maximo Alvarez is President of Sunshine Gasoline Distributors Inc, one of the largest gasoline distributors in Florida. He was born in Havana, Cuba, and came to the United States at thirteen as part of Operation Pedro Pan. Mr. Alvarez issued the following statement:

“My family has fled totalitarianism and communism more than once. I heard the promises of Fidel Castro and I will never forget all those who grew up around me—who looked like me, who suffered, starved, and died because they believed the empty promises of these regimes. Those empty promises and ideas are being repeated here in America today—young Americans must be educated about the truth of totalitarian ideology, and why the system of government and liberty that sets America apart must be respected and protected.”

TRS Trustee Ambassador Martin Palouš is a Senior Fellow at Florida International University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), and Director of SIPA’s Václav Havel Center for Human Rights and Diplomacy Initiative. He was elected to the Czechoslovakian Federal Assembly in 1990 and became a member of its Foreign Affairs Committee and then served under President Václav Havel as the Czech Ambassador to the United States. Ambassador Palouš is one of the original signers of Charter 77, a document signed in Czechoslovakia in 1977 that demanded the communist government respect human rights, he served as spokesman for the group and was also a founding member of the Civic Forum. Amb. Palous issued the following statement:

“Totalitarianism remains with us as the greatest threat and the greatest temptation for those who are, and eventually will be, endowed in the current world with power. As such we all have now our personal, but at the same time universal responsibility to resist the totalitarian threat, to keep our societies open, to preserve our democracies against their totalitarian enemies, to guard the openness of our world that has acquired the planetary dimensions in the 21st century. Because what is at stake today is the same as what was always at stake in the whole history of mankind: to maintain in it that element of freedom which still is the very essence of our humanity.”

Founding TRS Executive Director and Trustee Kristina Olney has directed nonprofit human rights and foreign policy advocacy for the past decade, and mostly recently served as the Director of Government Relations for the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. Ms. Olney issued the following statement:

“I am honored to direct this organization bringing together the most courageous and dedicated partners and scholars to expose, document, and advance the truth about totalitarian tyranny. Educating people about the crimes of totalitarian regimes is the only way to prevent the totalitarian horrors of the twentieth century from being repeated. The fight for human freedom against totalitarian oppression is still being waged every day, and we are committed to standing for truth, memory, and liberty.”