Melodies of Music: Music as Culture Warfare in the Cold War

Abstract

This paper explores the role of music as a cultural and ideological tool during the Cold War (1947–1991), when the United States and the Soviet Union competed not only for military and political dominance, but also for cultural influence. While ideological conflict and proxy wars characterized the era, music emerged as a powerful medium for both superpowers to express and share their values. The essay examines how the United States used genres such as jazz, folk, and Rock ‘n’ Roll to promote ideals of freedom, individualism, and diversity, often through government-sponsored cultural diplomacy. In contrast, the Soviet Union enforced socialist realism in music to reflect state ideology and proletarian values, regulating music output through censorship and state control. Despite restrictions, underground movements like “Magnitizdat” and a growing interest in Western styles among Soviet youth reflected cultural resistance and curiosity. Ultimately, music served as both a battleground and bridge–mirroring societal tensions while fostering global understanding across ideological lines.