Institute of History
Topic
Propaganda Dynamics in the Cold War: Czechoslovakia's Global Impact
PhD. program
World History
Name of the supervisor
Mgr. Dušan Segeš, M.A., PhD.
Contact:
Receiving school
Faculty of Arts, Comenius University Bratislava
Annotation
Since the 1940s, the strategic use of psychological warfare, commonly known as propaganda, to further foreign policy objectives and shape public opinion has become integral. The Cold War, a battle of ideologies between the United States and the Soviet Union, legitimized the practice of indoctrination through propaganda, extending to their respective satellites, including Czechoslovakia.
The PhD thesis will focus on Czechoslovakia's pivotal role in the global conflict, unravelling the "war of ideas" waged through propaganda. It will explore dynamic alliances that blurred lines between "friend" and "enemy," influenced by the evolving short-term interests of the Soviet Union as the undisputed leader of the Socialist camp. Particularly interestingly, this phenomenon manifested itself in the presentations of states, their political representatives, and populations on a continent other than Europe.
The research will examine how communist state propaganda adeptly navigated changing alliances, discerning between leaders and their populace. It will capture the nuances of Czechoslovakia's foreign policy, showcasing its dual-track approach in engaging with "hostile" foreign countries by supporting "progressive forces." The dissertation offers the possibility of investigating the role of cultural propaganda in shaping international opinions and examining how literature, cinema, and art became powerful tools in projecting soft power and influencing diverse societies. Likewise, it will explore media influence during the communist dictatorship, working within censorship constraints, and reflect public responses to propaganda efforts and particular campaigns.
The PhD thesis will further reflect the evolution of propaganda techniques with the advent of new technologies and how press, radio, and television disseminated propaganda messages. Emphasizing present-day significance, the doctoral dissertation could explore the lasting impact of Cold War propaganda on the views of Czechs and Slovaks regarding distant nations in the Americas, Asia, Africa, etc., extending far beyond the Cold War era. It aims to underscore the persistent influence of propaganda in shaping public opinion, drawing parallels with ongoing events such as the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Prospective candidates should showcase a solid understanding of propaganda types, their operation, and structure. Additionally, a strong grasp of fundamental principles of Cold War international relations, coupled with familiarity with the Czechoslovak propaganda apparatus, is crucial.
Requirements: Proficiency in English and other relevant languages (depending on the thematic focus of the dissertation) is essential for working effectively with documents and texts in this historical exploration.
The PhD thesis will focus on Czechoslovakia's pivotal role in the global conflict, unravelling the "war of ideas" waged through propaganda. It will explore dynamic alliances that blurred lines between "friend" and "enemy," influenced by the evolving short-term interests of the Soviet Union as the undisputed leader of the Socialist camp. Particularly interestingly, this phenomenon manifested itself in the presentations of states, their political representatives, and populations on a continent other than Europe.
The research will examine how communist state propaganda adeptly navigated changing alliances, discerning between leaders and their populace. It will capture the nuances of Czechoslovakia's foreign policy, showcasing its dual-track approach in engaging with "hostile" foreign countries by supporting "progressive forces." The dissertation offers the possibility of investigating the role of cultural propaganda in shaping international opinions and examining how literature, cinema, and art became powerful tools in projecting soft power and influencing diverse societies. Likewise, it will explore media influence during the communist dictatorship, working within censorship constraints, and reflect public responses to propaganda efforts and particular campaigns.
The PhD thesis will further reflect the evolution of propaganda techniques with the advent of new technologies and how press, radio, and television disseminated propaganda messages. Emphasizing present-day significance, the doctoral dissertation could explore the lasting impact of Cold War propaganda on the views of Czechs and Slovaks regarding distant nations in the Americas, Asia, Africa, etc., extending far beyond the Cold War era. It aims to underscore the persistent influence of propaganda in shaping public opinion, drawing parallels with ongoing events such as the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Prospective candidates should showcase a solid understanding of propaganda types, their operation, and structure. Additionally, a strong grasp of fundamental principles of Cold War international relations, coupled with familiarity with the Czechoslovak propaganda apparatus, is crucial.
Requirements: Proficiency in English and other relevant languages (depending on the thematic focus of the dissertation) is essential for working effectively with documents and texts in this historical exploration.