Edinburgh Conversations: Scotland, the Soviet Union and Cold War cultural diplomacy
Historical research on Scotland and the Cold War has, to this day, remained relatively scarce. While the former remains focused on past centuries, the latter has often centred solely on the affairs of the superpowers. This has seen the limited work that attempts to bridge this divide lack any dedicated theoretical framework. This seminar will discuss the findings of a work-in-progress PhD pertaining to Scotland’s Cold War, as well as a particular case study that aims to bring to life these local realities. This is namely the extensive cultural diplomacy pursued by members of Scottish civil society with the Soviet Union. Surpassing the era’s most impermeable barrier, this relationship showcases the unique opportunities afforded to actors within the stateless nation. Indeed, engagement would start as early as the ‘Red Clydeside’ era, with local labour activism creating an enduring interest in the revolutionary state. This sentiment would later find voice through the Scotland-USSR Society, which appealed to both radicals and establishment figures alike. Such links would ultimately culminate in the Edinburgh Conversations, a series of nuclear weapons talks towards the end of the conflict. As a result, the project’s proposal that Scotland acted as a ‘cultural backdoor’ for both Anglo-Soviet and wider East-West relations will be explored throughout discussions.
All welcome- this event is free but booking is required.
This page was last updated on 14 March 2025
