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How Washington Lobbyists Fought To Flack For Stalinist Dictatorship

Steve Carter

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Published in Turkmeniscam: How Washington Lobbyists Fought To Flack For A Stalinist Dictatorship

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Washington Lobbyists Working To Aid Stalinist Dictatorship Turkmeniscam: How Washington Lobbyists Fought To Flack For A Stalinist Dictatorship

The Washington lobbying industry has long been known for its influence in shaping American policy. But what is less well known is the role that lobbyists have played in promoting the interests of foreign governments, including some of the world's most oppressive regimes.

Turkmeniscam: How Washington Lobbyists Fought to Flack for a Stalinist Dictatorship

by Ken Silverstein

4.5 out of 5

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In the years leading up to World War II, a number of Washington lobbyists worked to promote the interests of the Soviet Union, even as the Soviet government was engaged in a campaign of terror against its own people.

One of the most prominent of these lobbyists was George S. Messersmith, a former diplomat who served as president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace from 1925 to 1945. Messersmith was a close friend of Soviet Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov, and he used his position at the Carnegie Endowment to promote Soviet interests in the United States.

Another prominent Soviet lobbyist was William C. Bullitt, a former ambassador to the Soviet Union. Bullitt was a strong supporter of Stalin, and he used his influence in Washington to promote Soviet policies.

The work of these lobbyists helped to create a climate of opinion in the United States that was favorable to the Soviet Union. This climate of opinion made it easier for the Soviet government to pursue its aggressive policies in Europe and Asia.

The Lobbyists' Methods

The Washington lobbyists who worked for the Soviet Union used a variety of methods to promote Soviet interests.

They met with government officials and members of Congress to promote Soviet policies.
They wrote articles and gave speeches in support of the Soviet Union.
They organized pro-Soviet demonstrations and rallies.
They provided financial support to pro-Soviet organizations.

The lobbyists' efforts were often successful. In 1933, for example, the lobbyists helped to defeat a bill in Congress that would have imposed sanctions on the Soviet Union for its human rights abuses.

The Impact of the Lobbyists' Work

The work of the Washington lobbyists who worked for the Soviet Union had a significant impact on American policy.

It helped to create a climate of opinion in the United States that was favorable to the Soviet Union.
It made it easier for the Soviet government to pursue its aggressive policies in Europe and Asia.
It contributed to the outbreak of World War II.

The legacy of the Washington lobbyists who worked for the Soviet Union is a reminder of the dangers of foreign influence in American politics.

The story of the Washington lobbyists who worked for the Soviet Union is a cautionary tale about the dangers of foreign influence in American politics.

The lobbyists' work helped to create a climate of opinion in the United States that was favorable to the Soviet Union. This climate of opinion made it easier for the Soviet government to pursue its aggressive policies in Europe and Asia. The lobbyists' work also contributed to the outbreak of World War II.

Turkmeniscam: How Washington Lobbyists Fought to Flack for a Stalinist Dictatorship

by Ken Silverstein

4.5 out of 5