Trade Relations Between the USA and the USSR During the Cold War: A Historical Insight

The Cold War period, characterized by ideological and political tensions between the United States of America (USA) and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), was marked by a complex and often overlooked aspect of bilateral relations: trade. Despite the animosity and mistrust between the two superpowers, a series of significant trade agreements and cultural exchanges took place, offering a unique glimpse into the dynamics of international relations during this era.

1. Cultural Exports from the USA to the USSR

Beyond critical economic exchanges, the USA exported a substantial amount of cultural content to the USSR during the Cold War, including music, movies, and literature. This cultural influence played a significant role in undermining the Soviet Union's ideology.

Music and Art as Cultural Weapons

Among the most influential exports was Western rock music, enjoyed by millions of citizens in the USSR, including Brits. The iconic pianist Van Cliburn's performance in Moscow in 1959 marked a turning point in the cultural relations between the USA and the USSR. His concert exposed millions of Soviet citizens to American culture, igniting a wave of interest that transformed the USSR's cultural landscape. This influence extended to films and literature, all of which contributed to the gradual erosion of the rigid Communist doctrine.

Music and art did not just entertain; they sparked a cultural revolution that questioned the very foundations of Soviet society. The openness to Western culture was a significant factor in the eventual collapse of the USSR.

2. Economic Trade Agreements During the Period of Détente

Grain Exports

Beyond cultural exchanges, the USA also sold crucial commodities to the USSR, like grain. The USA provided substantial amounts of grain to the USSR, an essential resource that kept the Soviet Union from facing an imminent food crisis during the Cold War. The USA's grain exports were instrumental in ensuring the USSR's stability and economic survival.

Phosphate Exports and Natural Gas Imports

In the 1970s, a significant trade agreement was negotiated by Armand Hammer, a pro-Soviet American business magnate, and the Soviet Union through Brezhnev. According to David Yergin, author of "The Prize," Hammer secured a twenty-year agreement through his company Occidental Petroleum, exporting phosphate from Florida to the USSR in exchange for natural gas from Odessa and Ventspils, converted into nitrogen fertilizer. The total value of this trade was estimated at 20 billion dollars. Furthermore, the construction of Soviet port facilities was partially financed by the Export-Import Bank, as endorsed by President Nixon.

Implications of Trade Agreements

The trade agreements and cultural exchanges between the USA and the USSR had profound implications for both countries. These interactions facilitated the flow of ideas, resources, and commodities, contributing to the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union. The cultural and economic exchanges laid the groundwork for future diplomatic relations and understanding between the two nations.

Finding More Information

For more detailed insights into this complex period of history, The Christian Science Monitor and The New York Times provide comprehensive articles on Armand Hammer's trade activities and their impact on Soviet society. Additionally, The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money, and Power by Daniel Yergin offers a broader perspective on the influence of trade agreements during the Cold War.