Ep 21. With Khrushchev, the Cultural Thaw

With Khrushchev, the Cultural Thaw episode of Understanding Russia: A Cultural History season 1 explores the period of cultural change that took place in the Soviet Union during the tenure of Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev. This was a time of great transformation in the Soviet Union, as Khrushchev tried to break away from the Stalinist era and move the country towards a more liberal and open society.

The episode explores how Khrushchev's policies on art, literature, and culture encouraged a new generation of artists and writers to emerge, who were less constrained by the strictures of Socialist Realism. In particular, the episode examines the work of the "thaw generation" of writers, who explored themes that had been taboo under Stalin, such as disillusionment with the communist system and the struggle for individual freedom.

The episode also looks at the role that the arts played in international diplomacy during the Cold War. Khrushchev understood the power of cultural diplomacy, and encouraged Soviet artists to participate in international exhibitions and festivals. This allowed the Soviet Union to showcase its cultural achievements to the world, and to present a more positive image to the West.

The episode features interviews with historians, art critics, and artists who were active during the Khrushchev era, and explores how the Thaw period shaped contemporary Russian culture. The program provides a nuanced understanding of the cultural politics of the Soviet Union, and sheds light on a fascinating period of Russian history.