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Michael Abramowitz
President at Freedom House
Michael Abramowitz is a prominent figure in journalism and human rights advocacy. He served as the President of Freedom House, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting democracy and human rights, from February 2017 to 2024.26
Career Highlights
Journalism Background:: Abramowitz spent the first 24 years of his career at The Washington Post, where he held several key positions:
Holocaust Memorial and Genocide Prevention:: After his time at The Washington Post, Abramowitz worked at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum:
- Director of the Levine Institute for Holocaust Education
- Led the museum's genocide prevention efforts14
Freedom House:: As President of Freedom House from 2017 to 2024, Abramowitz oversaw:
- Analysis of democratic institutional health worldwide
- Advocacy for democracy and human rights
- Direct support to frontline defenders of freedom23
New Role
In April 2024, it was announced that Abramowitz would be leaving Freedom House to become the new director of Voice of America (VOA).16
Education and Affiliations
- Graduate of Harvard College with a degree in Government45
- Member of the Council on Foreign Relations
- Board member of the National Security Archive
- Member of the Human Freedom Advisory Council for the George W. Bush Presidential Center
- Member of the Advisory Council of the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue12
Expertise and Advocacy
Abramowitz is known for speaking on issues such as:
- The impact of populist movements on democracies
- Challenges faced by democracies with struggling economies
- Tension between freedom and security3
He emphasizes the importance of the United States speaking out on human rights and freedom issues, arguing that it is in the country's national security and economic interests to do so.3
