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Soviet Soft Power and the Polish Thaw, 1953-1957

Though little is known about such efforts, Soviet cultural and propaganda institutions attempted to reach directly the hearts and minds of East European societies in Moscow’s new sphere of influence created after World War II. In the process, the Soviets squandered considerable human potential on their side, which could have promoted more effective soft power initiatives. Stalin’s death in 1953 offered new possibilities for reciprocal cultural relations and more flexible Soviet approach. Patryk Babiracki, Assistant Professor of History, University of Texas-Arlington, and Title VIII-Supported Research Scholar, Kennan Institute, will explain that other aspects of “the Thaw” in the USSR and Poland further complicated the work of Soviet international outreach institutions, revealing the limitations of Soviet soft power and of the Kremlin’s capacity to maintain empire.

Date & Time

Thursday
Sep. 20, 2012
12:00pm – 1:00pm ET

Location

6th Floor, Woodrow Wilson Center
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Overview

Though little is known about such efforts, Soviet cultural and propaganda institutions attempted to reach directly the hearts and minds of East European societies in Moscow’s new sphere of influence created after World War II. In the process, the Soviets squandered considerable human potential on their side, which could have promoted more effective soft power initiatives. Stalin’s death in 1953 offered new possibilities for reciprocal cultural relations and more flexible Soviet approach.  Patryk Babiracki, Assistant Professor of History, University of Texas-Arlington, and Title VIII-Supported Research Scholar, Kennan Institute, will explain that other aspects of “the Thaw” in the USSR and Poland further complicated the work of Soviet international outreach institutions, revealing the limitations of Soviet soft power and of the Kremlin’s capacity to maintain empire.

Please note that seating for this event is available on a first come, first served basis. Please call on the day of the event to confirm. Please bring an identification card with a photograph (e.g. driver's license, work ID, or university ID) as part of the building's security procedures.

The Kennan Institute speaker series is made possible through the generous support of the Title VIII Program of the U.S. Department of State.

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Speaker

Patryk Babiracki

Former Title VIII Research Scholar;
Assistant Professor, Russian and East European History, University of Texas-Arlington
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Hosted By

Kennan Institute

The Kennan Institute is the premier US center for advanced research on Russia and Eurasia and the oldest and largest regional program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. The Kennan Institute is committed to improving American understanding of Russia, Ukraine, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the surrounding region though research and exchange.  Read more

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