Shifting Narratives: The Cold War and Eastern Europe

This chapter analyzes the intricate dynamics between the liberal democratic West and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, showcasing how Western nations often prioritized stability over democratic ideals in Eastern Europe. It highlights the complex perceptions of post-communist leaders in the West, critiquing the ideological biases that favored left-leaning figures over anti-communist regimes. Additionally, the chapter explores the motivations behind anti-communist movements, the transformation of national identities, and the consequences of a new liberal democratic narrative for former opposition activists.