A1 Journal article (refereed)
Interference or friendly gestures? Soviet cultural diplomacy and Finnish elections, 1945–56 (2020)

Mikkonen, Simo (2020). Interference or friendly gestures? Soviet cultural diplomacy and Finnish elections, 1945–56. Cold War History, 20 (3), 349-365. DOI: 10.1080/14682745.2019.1686613

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Publication details

All authors or editors: Mikkonen, Simo

Journal or series: Cold War History

ISSN: 1468-2745

eISSN: 1743-7962

Publication year: 2020

Volume: 20

Issue number: 3

Pages range: 349-365

Publisher: Routledge

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14682745.2019.1686613

Open Access: Publication channel is not openly available

Abstract

In autumn 1944, the Soviet Union and Finland made peace, beginning a complete restructuring of their relations. As a result, Finland became the most important target country in the capitalist West for Soviet cultural diplomacy. The USSR sent numerous top artists to Finland for extensive tours. One objective was to support a peaceful image of the USSR, but, at the same time, these operations were to support the electoral successes of Finnish Communists. This paper examines Soviet cultural diplomacy directed towards Finland. Special attention will be paid to the different motivations behind major actions of Soviet cultural diplomacy in Finland.

Keywords: cultural relations; diplomacy; Cold War; propaganda; influencing; elections

Free keywords: Soviet Union; cultural diplomacy; cultural Cold War; propaganda; Finland

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Preliminary JUFO rating: 2