The book “Doctor Zhivago” distributed throughout the Soviet Union by the CIA. Photo: Central Intelligence Agency.
The story of the CIA’s involvement with Boris Pasternak’s novel, Doctor Zhivago, is a fascinating tale of Cold War intrigue and cultural diplomacy. During the height of the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union were engaged in a fierce ideological battle. One of the lesser-known fronts of this conflict was the realm of literature and culture. The CIA recognized the power of literature to influence public opinion and sought to use it as a tool to undermine the Soviet regime. One of the most significant examples of this strategy was the CIA’s involvement in the publication and distribution of Boris Pasternak’s novel, Doctor Zhivago.
Boris Pasternak was a celebrated Russian poet and novelist. His novel, Doctor Zhivago, is set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent Civil War. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the individual’s struggle against the oppressive forces of history. However, due to its critical portrayal of the Soviet regime and its emphasis on individualism, Doctor Zhivago was banned in the Soviet Union.
The CIA’s Involvement
Recognizing the potential impact of Doctor Zhivago, the CIA devised a plan to publish and distribute the novel in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. The agency believed that the book’s themes of personal freedom and resistance to tyranny would resonate with Soviet citizens and undermine the legitimacy of the Soviet government.
In 1956, the Italian publisher Giangiacomo Feltrinelli obtained the manuscript of Doctor Zhivago and published it in Italian. The CIA quickly saw an opportunity and obtained a copy of the manuscript in the original Russian. The agency then arranged for a pocket-sized copy of the novel to be published in Russian and distributed it covertly in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.
Impact
The publication of Doctor Zhivago had a profound impact. The novel was widely read and discussed, and its themes of personal freedom and resistance to oppression struck a chord with many Soviet citizens. In 1958, Pasternak was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, which further increased the book’s visibility and impact. The Soviet government, embarrassed by the international attention, forced Pasternak to decline the prize.
The CIA’s involvement in the publication of Doctor Zhivago is a prime example of the use of “soft power” during the Cold War. By promoting literature that challenged the Soviet regime, the CIA sought to influence public opinion and weaken the Soviet government’s control over its citizens.
The Film Adaptation
The film adaptation of Doctor Zhivago, directed by David Lean and released in 1965, is a cinematic masterpiece that brings Boris Pasternak’s novel to life. Starring Omar Sharif as Yuri Zhivago and Julie Christie as Lara Antipova, the movie captures the sweeping romance and epic scale of the original story. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent Civil War, the film explores themes of love, loss, and the individual’s struggle against the forces of history. With its stunning cinematography, memorable performances, and Maurice Jarre’s iconic score, Doctor Zhivago has become a classic of world cinema, earning numerous awards and leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. At the 38th Academy Awards in 1966, the film received ten nominations and won five Oscars, including Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Score.
Final Thoughts
The CIA’s Doctor Zhivago Project stands as a captivating chapter in Cold War history. It underscores the profound influence of literature to sway public opinion and as as a tool of cultural diplomacy and reveals the extraordinary lengths to which governments will go. The tale of Doctor Zhivago serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring ability of the written word to inspire, challenge, and provoke change.
Resource
Central Intelligence Agency
CIA.gov