9 October 2007
Gorbachev: New leaders must emerge
Dallas: Former Soviet president urges U.S. cooperation in world.
Mikhail Gorbachev, the former president of the Soviet Union, delivered sobering views of the world's future during a lecture Monday evening in Dallas.
Although the Nobel Peace Prize laureate is often credited with helping to end the tensions of the Cold War, he said the dangers of nuclear weapons and empire building remain concerns.
«We need new leaders to come forth soon; they are facing challenges that can't be avoided», Mr. Gorbachev told more than 600 guests at the University of Dallas' annual Eugene McDermott Lectureship.
Before his 1 ½-hour speech at the Belo Mansion, he answered students' questions at the university's Irving campus.
When asked what brought him the most joy, he cited his perestroika, or reform, efforts, which eventually resulted in the breakup of the Soviet Union.
«I made mistakes, but I believe my career was a success», Mr. Gorbachev said of the challenge of transforming a totalitarian regime into a democracy.
When a student asked about Russia's insecurities, Mr. Gorbachev responded with a question of his own: «Why is the U.S. so afraid of everyone?».
At his lecture, the former president expressed concerns about what he called the United States' tendency to take unilateral action.
«The U.S. government seems to look after its own national interests, but it can become a leader through partnerships, not domination», he said.
Mr. Gorbachev said he often finds himself defending America.
«Many feel that globalization is the new colonialism by the West», Mr. Gorbachev said.
He also urged the U.S. not to ignore the United Nations.
«I hope that we can harmonize our relationship, which means not hugging and kissing, but working on our problems and trusting each other», he said.
He praised the efforts of former President Ronald Reagan, whom he once said he thought of as a dinosaur.
«But he thought I was a diehard Bolshevik – there's some truth in both sides», he joked.
He said they eventually became friends and learned to trust each other.
«Russia can be a friend», he said.
«We will not dance to anyone's tune, and we will not dance to American jazz music. We will look after our interests, but we can be friends with others».
