One of the most contemporary political topics, which has been evident today and
also for many years, and undoubtedly has had a high impact on our social life, is anti-
Americanism. The most important points of this theme are very vividly portrayed in this
collection of Soviet era posters.
The main roles are played by the two opposing ideological giants, the USSR and
the USA which were fighting with each other in the so-called Cold War for a long period
of time. The Cold War deeply affected both sides, leaving behind deep scars. The by-
products of this war - political conflict, military tension, a nuclear arms and space race
and economic competition seemed to not only divide the two countries but also the
whole world.
Since this time of nuclear tension we have seen the fall of USSR, the creation
of the Warsaw Pact and other actions and steps which should have conveyed great
changes in the relationship between the two countries and the end of the former hostility
and distrust towards the USA by Russia. America should by now have become a friend
and an ally, and both superpowers should have become united to help each other work
towards a brighter future, as the Russian political system has turned towards capitalism
and taken one step closer to the sinister dog-eat-dog world.
However something must have deeply gone wrong, as now, the USA doesn t
appear have changed its place and function in the eyes of Russians. They still see it as
an aggressive, treacherous enemy. It would seem that all those steps, taken previously
towards the conciliation of the two countries had not been enough, or perhaps have
been too shallow. The conflict seems to lie much deeper than the opposing political
systems and long history of hostility towards each other.
The posters that have been chosen for this collection are all from the Soviet past
and all made in the USSR; however they stand firmly in today s political situation too.
There is hardly any Soviet branding on the posters, they could have easily been created
today, and not necessarily in Russia. Nevertheless, this is an antique collection, which
was created in a much different socio- economic environment, which makes us really
wonder why nothing has changed since that time.
Each poster from this collection could not possibly be considered irrelevant in
the current climate. For many Russian people the USA continues to remain a malicious
formation. It seems that now, more than ever, Russia has gained other enemies that
try to attack its borders, under the persistent supervision of USA, through military and
financial support.
Just as Russians see the Americans as treacherous vultures, tirelessly digging
their claws into our land; they, in their terms, see us as barbarians and savages. Which
is why these posters would be applicable today in most of the Russia s political party
meetings and rallies and they would be relevant in offices and public places. In this
situation it would seem only fair to educate with such posters in the schools, just as our
grandparents and parents were educated on anti- Americanism.
In the end the question remains whether it is possible for this conflict to get
resolved and for Russia and USA to become friends and allies, without stabbing each
other in the back. Hopefully this will happen one day, but for now all we can do is enjoy
the artwork that the past political situation has inspired and created.