Mechanisms of cultural and educational interaction between the USSR and foreign countries in 1960–1980

Abstract

This paper attempts to study the problem of intercultural interaction between the USSR and foreign countries in 19601980. Attention is drawn to the need to establish a constructive dialogue between cultures in the context of strengthening integration ties. The paper presents the results of research on the development of cooperation in the sphere of culture, examines the strategies and practices of the Soviet peace movement, describes the ways and means of strengthening informal interaction with representatives of the educational system and maintaining professional contacts, characterizes the process of interaction between the USSR and citizens of foreign countries. The interaction with the foreign public in the USSR during the period under study was carried out through a number of organizations of various levels: from the central party bodies to individual regional enterprises and institutions. It is particularly noted that the ideological control over their activities existed at virtually all levels of the party apparatus: from the Central Committee of the CPSU to party committees in public organizations, unions and cultural institutions. The author concludes that the existing problems in the sphere of intercultural communication are closely related to the implementation of effective intercultural interaction, and the role of culture in the development of international interaction is not limited to the foreign policy of states and is characterized by autonomy in the organization of the dialogue of cultures.