HIU34556: Mobility, Migration and the Cold War
This module offers a unique look at the Cold War through the lens of the history of people on the move. The Cold War is generally known as a period of ideological tension between two blocs of states established shortly after the end of the Second World War. The Cold War was, however, not only about politics, security, and hegemony. It was also an unprecedented battle for the hearts and minds of the people in both camps. Migrants were an important part of this confrontation. In spite of the divisions and restrictions caused by the Cold War, significant contacts and exchanges existed between citizens living on both sides of the Iron Curtain, in Europe and globally.
- Module Coordinator:
- Beatrice Scutaru
- Duration:
- Hilary Term
- Contact Hours:
- 2 hours a week
- Weighting:
- 10 ECTS
- Assessment:
- Essay 40% Exam 60%
The central questions framing this course are: What type of population movements could take place during the Cold War? How and why did people move across borders? What were their experiences? The module will seek to answer these questions and provide a new history of the Cold War that focuses especially on the numerous connexions that could be established between peoples across borders, in Europe and beyond. Topics will range from high diplomacy and the building of migration regimes to the role and experiences of individuals moving across borders (e.g., international students, experts, children, guestworkers, or national minorities).