Cold War Propaganda by Sebastian Farnham

Cold War Propaganda examines the Soviet Union's comprehensive system of propaganda, from the Russian Revolution to the USSR's collapse. It explores how the Soviets used media, education, and culture to shape public opinion at home and abroad. The book highlights that the Soviet state maintained strict control over all media, ensuring a unified narrative that glorified communism while denouncing the West. This approach is crucial for understanding the Cold War and recognizing similar tactics used in modern information warfare.

The book begins with the historical and theoretical underpinnings of Soviet propaganda, rooted in Marxism-Leninism. It then progresses through sections focusing on media control and censorship within the Soviet Union, the education system's role in indoctrination, and the export of Soviet culture as a tool of influence. By analyzing declassified archives and firsthand accounts, Cold War Propaganda offers valuable insights into political persuasion and its impact on society and illustrates how propaganda can be seen as a form of information warfare.