The Soviet Invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968: The Russian Perspective

The edited collection "The Soviet Invasion of Czechoslovakia 1968: A View from the Other Side" provides a comprehensive look at the Russian perception of the Prague Spring and the Warsaw Pact occupation of Czechoslovakia in August 1968. It includes interviews, memoirs, and academic studies focusing on Russian soldiers, dissidents, and journalists involved in or affected by the Soviet invasion. The book explores the inner world of Soviet soldiers, the role of KGB and the Soviet embassy, and the kinship between the Soviet liberal intelligentsia and dissident movement.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 03 May 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

The edited collection, titled "The Prague Spring and the Warsaw Pact Occupation of Czechoslovakia in August 1968: Russian Perceptions," represents the first comprehensive exploration of the Russian perspective on the Prague Spring and the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia in August 1968. Comprising a diverse range of interviews, memoirs, and academic studies, this publication offers a rich tapestry of insights into the experiences of Russian soldiers, dissidents, and journalists who were directly involved in or affected by the Soviet invasion.

The book commences by delving into the inner world of the Soviet soldiers who arrived in Czechoslovakia. It provides a poignant portrayal of their experiences, showcasing the profound influence of Soviet propaganda on their minds and actions. Through vivid descriptions and personal accounts, the reader gains a deeper understanding of the soldiers' perspectives and the mechanisms employed by the Soviet regime to manipulate and control their thoughts.

The Archive supplement, authored by Russian historians Nikita Petrov and Olga Pavlenko, presents a fresh perspective on the role of the KGB and the Soviet embassy in the Czechoslovak events of August 1968. Drawing upon extensive research and archival materials, the supplement sheds light on the behind-the-scenes actions and strategies employed by the Soviet authorities to suppress the Prague Spring and maintain their grip on Czechoslovakia.

The second part of the book focuses on the Soviet journalists residing in Prague in 1968. These journalists, who supported the Prague Spring and advocated for democratic reforms, faced severe consequences for their stance. Many were deported, losing their jobs and facing persecution. Their stories serve as a poignant reminder of the price paid by those who dared to challenge the Soviet regime's authority.

The final section of the book delves into the kinship that the Soviet liberal intelligentsia and dissident movement felt toward the events in Prague. As Leonid Brezhnev tightened the screws on the USSR in the late 1960s, the Prague Spring emerged as a beacon of hope for change. The Soviet intelligentsia and dissidents saw the events in Prague as one of the last opportunities to advocate for democratic reforms and human rights within the Soviet Union. The book explores this kinship through the study of Czech researcher Tomas Glanc, who examines the diverse reactions on the Prague Spring and the August 1968 invasion among the Soviet intelligentsia. Interviews with former Soviet dissidents Lyudmila Alexeeva and Natalia Gorbanevskaya further enrich the narrative, providing firsthand accounts of their experiences and struggles.

To complement the main text, the book includes a supplementary diary of Elvira Filipovich, an ordinary Soviet citizen married to a Czech. Filipovich witnessed the August 1968 events in Moscow and provides a firsthand account of the Soviet response to the Prague Spring. Her diary offers a unique perspective on the broader societal implications of the invasion and the impact it had on ordinary citizens.

In conclusion, "The Prague Spring and the Warsaw Pact Occupation of Czechoslovakia in August 1968: Russian Perceptions" is a groundbreaking work that provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the Russian perspective on the Prague Spring and the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia. Through a rich blend of interviews, memoirs, and academic studies, the book offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of this pivotal period in European history.

Weight: 485g
Dimension: 219 x 154 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793602947