Soviet-Czechoslovak Intellectual Relations in the Context of Scientific Diplomacy of the Cold War (the Problems of Study)

Abstract

The development of Russian-Czech and Russian-Slovak scientific relations has a long history. Their content changed depending on the political context. In the 20th century these relations acquired a new dimension, directly related to the profound historical transformations experienced by both countries. The author of this article sets himself a difficult task: to outline the prospects for studying Soviet-Czechoslovak scientific contacts in the light of new approaches, to identify some relevant areas of possible research. The author demonstrates the importance of comparative studies of the phenomenon of “socialist science” based on archival materials. Using specific examples, he outlines the importance of studying the social practices of Soviet and Czechoslovak scientists in a comparative manner, including on the basis of multi-level communications. The socio-cultural dimension of Soviet-Czechoslovak scientific communications will make it possible to better understand the peculiarities of the work of scientists in the conditions of social transformations and upheavals of the second half of the 20th century, their moral and psychological state, social status, and worldview.