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In the summer of 1983, an American student stepped behind the Iron Curtain—and found a Soviet Union nothing like the enemy portrayed at home.
Loring Hinds recalls travelling to Moscow and Leningrad at the height of Cold War tension, shortly after Ronald Reagan’s “evil empire” speech. Studying Russian at Leningrad State University, he encountered surveillance, empty shops, endless queues and the contradictions of a system that appeared controlled yet allowed students remarkable freedom.
He describes black-market encounters, an unexpected Soviet wedding, nights exploring the city, and conversations with people eager to understand life in the West. When a train breaks down outside Leningrad, Loring meets two Soviet tank soldiers returning from Afghanistan—and hears the grim truth concealed by propaganda.
This vivid eyewitness account reveals the warmth, pride and generosity of citizens living within a faltering system, and the journey that inspired Loring to become a US Army officer.
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Help me preserve Cold War history via a simple monthly donation,
You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, receive a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank-you, and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.
Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/
If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we also welcome one-off tips via the same link.
Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/
CONTINUE THE COLD WAR CONVERSATION
o BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social
o Threads https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations
o Twitter/X https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod
o Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/
o Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/
o Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations
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