Other titles:NATO DOCUMENTARIES [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: A NATO documentary that uses mostly archive film to convey the importance of joint security in the uncertain political climate of the Cold War. Much emphasis is given to the early part of the Cold War. The documentary also contrasts the military and political cooperation of the West with the military aggression of the Warsaw Pact nations. The film has many similarities with another NATO documentary entitled Versus (NAT 2059).
Description: A broad political and ideological analysis is given to provide some background to the Cold War. This briefly covers political theorist such as Richard Cobden and Karl Marx.
A brief account of post Second World War history focuses on the build-up of Russian armies in the East, in contrast to Western efforts towards peace. Speeches by Western leaders, such as British Foreign Minister Ernest Bevan, warn against agitation by Russia in order to pressure weaker nations into a sphere of influence. These actions in-turn inspiring Western Europeans to form closer alliances, leading to the establishment of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.
Focus on the divided city of Berlin, including: Willy Brandt, the Berlin Airlift and the Berlin Wall. The wall is used as a metaphor for the political ideology that divides Europe. Examples of people attempting to leap the Berlin Wall are shown to give an impression of their desperation to escape the clutches of the “Russian Empire” and discover their “freedom” in the West.
The Warsaw Pact nations are portrayed as combat-ready and keen to expand their already vast military. The example of the Prague Spring is used to demonstrate their intolerance of any defiance against rule from Moscow.
In defence of their shared values, NATO is portrayed as a “collective shield” against Soviet aggression. Beyond sheer military might, their collective defence structure includes: permanent headquarters, early-warning and advanced communications systems.
Alternative Title:NATO DOCUMENTARIES [Allocated Series Title]
Colour:Colour
Digitised:Yes
Object_Number:NAT 2068
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:IWM NATO
Featured Period:
Production Date:1977
Production Country:
Production Details: North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Production sponsor)
Guild Sound and Vision (Distributor)
BOMI Productions (Production company)
James, Norman (Production individual)
James, Norman (Production individual)
Parkinson, Austin (Production individual)
Weinbren, Gerald (Production individual)
Vainorius, Rimas (Production individual)
Berthier, Jacques (Production individual)
JOHNSON, RICHARD (Production individual)
