Dr. Lee Edwards discussing “The Many Myths of Marxism” at IWP in 2018. Watch his lecture here or below.America and IWP just lost one of their finest sons, Lee Edwards, who was one of our nation’s most stalwart defenders of freedom.
He understood more profoundly than almost everyone in the leadership ranks of our country the philosophy, methods, and dangers of communism. His work in educating the public about the tyranny and horror of communist rule – all disguised by deceptive, humanistic propaganda – is an enduring legacy to America and the cause of freedom everywhere.
Dr. Edwards served as a faculty member at IWP. Among his many fields of expertise, he specialized in the role of the media in world politics, having written an influential book on the subject. His course, Mass Media and World Politics, was a key element in IWP’s public diplomacy curriculum.
Lee was also the author of many books on American conservatism, including biographies of notable leaders in conservative politics, as well as histories of noteworthy institutions.
Dr. Lee Edwards with Amb. Aldona Woś, IWP President, in Fall 2024A large part of his life was devoted to creating the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. Having secured legislation to build a memorial to the Victims of Communism in 1993, he led the national effort to erect a statue of the “goddess of democracy” as the symbol of that memorial. The “goddess of democracy” was originally created by the anticommunist demonstrators in Tiananmen Square in Beijing in their massive demonstration in 1989 – a demonstration that was crushed by a massacre of hundreds or even thousands of innocent activists of democracy. For those who visit Washington, the memorial statue is located on Massachusetts Avenue and New Jersey Avenue, NW.
In more recent years, as founding Chairman of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, he spearheaded the effort to create the Victims of Communism Museum. Having secured major donations from several nations that suffered under communist rule, the Foundation created powerful and compelling exhibits to honor the hundred million victims of communism (that is a low estimate – it could be as many as 200 million). The museum is located near the White House.
I will always be grateful to Lee for his encouragement and wise counsel in helping me establish IWP. Lee was a happy warrior who understood the remarkable power of advanced education for current and future leaders in our most sensitive field of government.
The IWP family sends its profound sympathy to the Edwards family.
RIP.
by John Lenczowski
Founder, President Emeritus, and Chancellor, IWP
Dr. Lee Edwards signing his book, Mediapolitik: How the Mass Media Have Transformed World Politics, at IWP“Lee was a wonderful human being who genuinely cared about people. He was so committed to doing the right thing and to educating people about the importance of freedom. He invited me to become involved with the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation many years ago, and it was a pleasure and a privilege to work with him.”
– Amb. Aldona Woś, IWP President
“Lee Edwards was a great American who used his talents to defend and promote what it means to be an American. He was a kind and unassuming man who served as a trusted advisor to many important leaders, especially Ronald Reagan. His vision for this country was always clear, and we honor him best by continuing that important work with the same robust optimism.”
– Dr. James Robbins, IWP Dean of Academics
“Lee was a good friend and an exceptionally fine man.”
– Michael Maibach, IWP Alumnus
To make a gift to the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation in honor of Dr. Edwards, please select the Anne and Lee Edwards Freedom Fund.