The Cold War from the Margins

Explore the global dynamics of the 1970s Cold War through the lens of Bulgaria in this insightful talk. Gain a fresh perspective on late socialism as Dr. Theodora Dragostinova discusses her book with Professor Simon Miles, examining Bulgaria's cultural engagements with the Balkans, the West, and the Third World. Discover how this small socialist state's experiences challenge conventional narratives, offering alternative models of global interconnectivity along East-South lines. Delve into topics such as cultural diplomacy, international events, and the advantages of smallness in the Cold War context. Understand the role of culture as a weapon and the complexities of Balkan relations during this period. Learn about the speaker's personal experiences growing up in Bulgaria and how they inform her research. Engage with a thought-provoking analysis that places socialist history in a broader international context, revealing new insights into the global Cold War era.