Cold War from the Margins: A Small Socialist State on the Global Cultural Scene

In The Cold War from the Margins, Theodora K. Dragostinova examines Bulgaria's cultural interactions with the Balkans, the West, and the Third World during the 1970s, highlighting how these encounters transcended the Cold War's bloc mentality and boosted the authoritarian regime by securing new allies and unifying the population.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 330 pages
\n Publication date: 15 May 2021
\n Publisher: Cornell University Press
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In her book "The Cold War from the Margins," Theodora K. Dragostinova offers a fresh perspective on the global 1970s by examining the experiences of a small socialist state, Bulgaria, and its cultural interactions with the Balkans, the West, and the Third World. During this tumultuous decade, Bulgaria's communist leadership recognized the importance of cultural diplomacy in bolstering its legitimacy both domestically and internationally. Bulgarians embarked on extensive travels, visiting countries around the world to organize museum exhibitions, screen films, perform music, and showcase the rich cultural heritage and future aspirations of their ancient yet modern nation.

What makes "The Cold War from the Margins" particularly intriguing is its ability to transcend the confines of the Cold War era. Dragostinova demonstrates how Bulgaria's relations with Greece and Austria, once considered adversaries, warmed, and how émigrés who were once viewed as enemies were embraced. Additionally, Bulgaria forged new cultural ties with India, Mexico, and Nigeria, expanding its horizons and fostering international cooperation.

By engaging with the West and seeking solidarity with the Global South, Bulgaria's authoritarian regime gained new allies and unified its population. This strategy not only helped to solidify the regime's power but also challenged traditional narratives of both the 1970s and late socialism. Dragostinova's book places the history of socialism in an international context, highlighting alternative models of global interconnectivity along East-South lines.

The publication of "The Cold War from the Margins" is made possible through generous funding from The Ohio State University Libraries and its participation in TOME (Toward an Open Monograph Ecosystem). As a result, the ebook editions of this book are available as Open Access volumes from Cornell Open (cornellpress.cornell.edu/cornell-open) and other repositories. This accessibility ensures that a wider audience can access and engage with the insights and perspectives presented in the book.

In conclusion, "The Cold War from the Margins" is a valuable contribution to the study of the 1970s and the history of socialism. Through its examination of Bulgaria's cultural engagements and its efforts to transcend the Cold War divide, the book offers a fresh perspective on a complex and transformative decade. Dragostinova's meticulous research and insightful analysis make "The Cold War from the Margins" a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the global political and cultural landscape of the 1970s.

\n Weight: 502g\n
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 26 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781501755552\n \n