Controversies of US‐USSR Cultural Contacts During the Cold War: The Perspective of Latvian Refugees1

In: Journal of historical sociology, Band 21, Heft 1, S. 55-81

Abstract

Abstract  This article analyzes the conflict that emerged regarding the so‐called US‐USSR "cultural contacts" during the Cold War within the exile community of American Latvians. While most of the American political and cultural elites saw cultural exchanges with the Soviets as beneficial, the reactions of the émigrés were much more controversial and polarizing. This study reveals the unrecognized side of the Cold War politics as experienced by the refugee groups. The study employs American, Latvian and Soviet publications, memoirs, interviews and archival materials.