Origins of People-to-People Diplomacy, U.S. and Russia, 1917-1957

This study looks at the early contacts between the US and the Soviet Union in the revolutionary period and 1920s, as well as the religious figures, radical activists, entrepreneurs, engineers, social workers, and others who forged tentative but real human connections to further better understanding between the two countries. These efforts prefigured the much more heralded citizen diplomacy efforts of the 1980s.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 86 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Despite numerous studies of U.S.-Soviet diplomacy in the 20th century, most explorations of people-to-people diplomacy commence in the 1980s, disregarding the early contacts during the revolutionary period and 1920s. This study delves deeper into the religious figures, radical activists, entrepreneurs, engineers, social workers, and other individuals in both the U.S. and the Soviet Union who transcended ideological and cultural barriers, and historical differences, to establish tentative yet genuine human connections aimed at fostering a better understanding between the two countries. These early endeavors laid the groundwork for the more celebrated citizen diplomacy initiatives of the 1980s, which played a pivotal role in bringing an end to the Cold War.

Background:
The study of U.S.-Soviet diplomacy has been a rich field of research, with numerous scholars examining the political, economic, and military aspects of the relationship between the two superpowers. However, the focus on people-to-people diplomacy has only emerged in recent decades, recognizing the importance of individual interactions and cultural exchanges in shaping international relations.

Early Contacts:
While the 1980s are often considered the starting point of people-to-people diplomacy, it is worth noting that early contacts between the U.S. and the Soviet Union occurred during the revolutionary period and the 1920s. For example, American missionaries and journalists traveled to the Soviet Union, and Soviet artists and intellectuals visited the U.S. These interactions laid the foundation for future diplomatic efforts and helped to break down stereotypes and misconceptions between the two countries.

Religious Figures:
One of the most significant groups involved in people-to-people diplomacy were religious figures. Despite the ideological differences between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, many religious leaders and organizations worked to promote understanding and cooperation. For instance, the American Jewish Committee and the Russian Jewish Congress established contacts and exchanged visits, fostering a better understanding of each other's cultures and religions.

Radical Activists:
Radical activists also played a role in people-to-people diplomacy. Despite the strict restrictions and censorship imposed by the Soviet government, some activists worked to promote human rights and democracy in the Soviet Union. For example, the American Committee for Human Rights in the Soviet Union (ACHRSU) and the Soviet Committee for Human Rights (SCHR) established contacts and exchanged information, helping to raise awareness about human rights abuses in the Soviet Union.

Entrepreneurs:
Entrepreneurs were also key players in people-to-people diplomacy. Despite the economic barriers and restrictions imposed by the Soviet government, some entrepreneurs worked to establish business relationships and promote trade between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. For example, the American Chamber of Commerce in the Soviet Union (AmCham) and the Soviet Chamber of Commerce (SCC) established contacts and exchanged information, helping to promote economic cooperation and understanding.

Engineers:
Engineers were also involved in people-to-people diplomacy. Despite the technological differences between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, some engineers worked to promote cooperation and exchange in the field of science and technology. For example, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the Soviet Academy of Sciences (SAS) established contacts and exchanged visits, helping to promote scientific cooperation and understanding.

Social Workers:
Social workers were also important in people-to-people diplomacy. Despite the social and economic challenges faced by the Soviet Union, some social workers worked to promote social welfare and human rights. For example, the American Red Cross and the Soviet Red Cross established contacts and exchanged visits, helping to promote humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Citizen Diplomacy:
The 1980s are often considered the peak of citizen diplomacy, with numerous initiatives and programs aimed at promoting understanding and cooperation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. These initiatives included cultural exchange programs, educational exchange programs, and sports exchange programs. For example, the American Fulbright Program and the Soviet Union's Glasnost Program facilitated cultural exchange and educational exchange between the two countries.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the study of U.S.-Soviet diplomacy in the 20th century has been a rich and complex field, with numerous studies examining the political, economic, and military aspects of the relationship between the two superpowers. However, the focus on people-to-people diplomacy has only emerged in recent decades, recognizing the importance of individual interactions and cultural exchanges in shaping international relations. The early contacts between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, as well as the efforts of religious figures, radical activists, entrepreneurs, engineers, social workers, and other individuals, laid the groundwork for the more celebrated citizen diplomacy initiatives of the 1980s, which played a pivotal

Weight: 130g
Dimension: 215 x 138 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032042169