The Main U.S. Voice for Peace with Russia

Written By Caleb Maupin

The Center for Political Innovation on the Right Side of History

In the aftermath of peace talks in Saudi Arabia, where it became clear that a plan to end the war in Ukraine is in the works—with Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin expected to announce a meeting soon—it is worth noting that one organization in America has done more than any other to set the stage for these developments.

After Russia’s special military operation was launched in 2022, the Center for Political Innovation immediately raised its voice, calling for negotiations to end that conflict and pushing back against the Ukraine hysteria, proclaiming, “Russia is not our enemy!” We have kept a steady drumbeat of Donbass solidarity, peace advocacy, and American patriotism going ever since.

In March of 2022, CPI members were in the streets of New York City chanting that very slogan, and that same month, a massive conference was held in Austin, Texas. The video of the opening ceremony of the conference—featuring the U.S. and Soviet flags, along with the flag of the Donetsk People's Republic—went viral. The fact-checking website TruthOrFiction.com even published an article confirming the conference did indeed take place and was not an internet hoax, as the display of sympathy with the Donbass people alongside American patriotism was very shocking in the hateful, jingoistic atmosphere.

A Steady Drumbeat for Peace

Shortly after the conference, the Ukrainian government designated the Center for Political Innovation’s founder, Caleb Maupin, as an “information terrorist.” CPI held another conference in Chicago shortly afterward that was noted by Newsweek. This conference honored journalist Tara Reade for her refusal to back down and expose Joe Biden’s crimes and also welcomed a delegation from the Uhuru movement, which had recently had their homes raided by the FBI.

CPI’s efforts to promote peace with Russia continued with support for the Rage Against the War Machine protests in Washington, D.C., as official sponsors and by hosting a special reception afterward for Scott Ritter. CPI also participated in the New York City Peace March alongside a diverse coalition of clergy at the United Nations. Additionally, CPI was involved in the Humanity for Peace day of action on August 6, 2023, raising awareness of the dangers of nuclear war as the U.S. escalated against Russia in Ukraine.

The Center for Political Innovation was chosen to lead the U.S. delegation to the World Youth Festival in March of 2024. Prior to departure, CPI convened an official press conference at the United Nations, hosted by the Russian mission, in which they highlighted the Uhuru case and warned that the criminalization of support for Russia was dangerous. At the festival, two CPI members, Caleb Maupin and Noah Shenk, spoke directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a special session on the last day of the festival.

During the 2024 election cycle, CPI launched its #PeaceMAGA operation, bringing a banner that read “Only Peace Can Make America Great Again” to Trump Tower, the New York Public Library, and Madison Square Garden. The #PeaceMAGA operation did not stop after the election but continued in full swing outside the Inauguration Day festivities in Washington, D.C.

Big Plans Ahead

There is no doubt that the Center for Political Innovation has been the target of intelligence operations, smears, and government harassment as a result of our relentless solidarity with Russia and efforts to push for the negotiations that are now taking place. The number of individuals who claim to agree with CPI’s message but have done almost no activism or mass outreach is very disappointing.

While gossip, blacklisting, and competitive culture were promoted by various social media personalities, CPI focused on solidarity. Representatives of the Center for Political Innovation attended all the major gatherings of the Uhuru movement in the face of FBI repression. CPI members Caleb Maupin and John McCarthy attended the trial and sentencing of Uhuru members in Federal Court, with CPI giving statements at the press conferences, raising significant funds for Uhuru, and otherwise doing everything possible to push back against the effort to criminalize dissent. While certain streamers focused on tearing down other anti-imperialists in the hopes of gaining more spotlight for themselves, CPI did the opposite—standing with everyone targeted by the state and raising its pro-peace message as loudly as possible.

CPI opposes the system of globalism/imperialism, in which big financial monopolies—rooted in the history of colonialism—impoverish the world to secure their position at the top. The Center for Political Innovation puts forward an optimistic, pro-growth perspective called Innovationism, combining our calls for peace with our vision of a state that cultivates the creative power of individuals and plans the economy to unleash growth. This vision is best articulated by our slogan:

“We Need A Government of Action to Fight for Working Families.”

CPI is not stopping anytime soon. The upcoming convention in Chicago, set for July 12, 2025, will be the flagship anti-imperialist event of the year, with 400 people packing into the auditorium for a program themed around:

“Working Families First! Defeat the Deep State! Embrace a New World of Peace and Innovation!”

In light of recent developments in Riyadh, we urge those paying attention in the United States and around the world to take notice of the Center for Political Innovation. There is no doubt we have been on the right side of history and can proudly say we played a role in setting the stage for any positive geopolitical developments.

Timeline of CPI Activities Promoting Peace with Russia



Caleb Maupin
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