Confronting Peaceful Co-existence: Psychological Warfare and the Role of Interdoc, 1963–72

Abstract

Interest in Cold War psychological warfare and propaganda operations by both East and West, and the institutions that have pursued them, has increased among diplomatic historians over the last decade.1 As an addition to the burgeoning literature on the ideological dimension of the conflict, this article examines the foundation and purpose of the International Information and Documentation Center or ‘Interdoc’. Founded in 1963 in The Hague, Interdoc was meant to develop a psychological response to the Soviet strategy of ‘peaceful coexistence’. Its arrival was the result of discussions between French, German, and Dutch intelligence services, along with individuals from industry and academia, that had taken place over the previous six years. Interdoc's central focus was to increase the level of understanding of communist doctrine and practice by stimulating and making available well-researched information on the policies and realities of the Soviet bloc. By the end of the 1960s Interdoc had expanded into a centre of increasing activity for research, training, conference, and publication programmes. However, at the point when plans were being made to extend its operations by making contacts with the Eastern bloc, Chancellor Brandt's pursuit of Ostpolitik caused a catastrophic withdrawal of German financial support.