The Prague Spring, 1968: A National Security Archive Document Reader (National Security Archive Cold War Reader - CEU Press) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 9637326677 ISBN 13: 9789637326677

Publisher: Central European University Press, 2006

Synopsis

This is the first ever documented account of a Cold War crisis as seen from both sides of the Iron Curtain. Based on unprecedented access to the previously closed archives of each member-state of the Warsaw Pact, this book offers a unique look at a deeply divisive intra-bloc crisis.
Presented in a highly readable form, the book offers top-level documents from Kremlin Politburo meetings, multi-lateral sessions of the Warsaw Pact leading up to the decision to invade, and even transcriptions of KGB-recorded phone conversations between Leonid Brezhnev and Alexander Dubcek. Once highly classified American documents from the National Security Council, CIA, and other relevant agencies acquired through the U.S. Freedom of Information Act have also been included.
In order to provide a historical and political context, the editors have included an introductory essay for each section of the volume. A chronology, glossary, and bibliography offer further background information for the reader. As members of the commission appointed by Václav Havel to investigate the events of 1967-1970, the editors have a unique Czech-Slovak perspective to offer to foreign audiences.

About this title

About the Author

Jaromír Navrátil holds a Ph.D. in military history from the Military Political Academy, Moscow, and a Doctorate of Law from Masaryk University, Brno.

From the Back Cover

In addition to revealing the events surrounding the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, this is the first book to document a Cold War crisis from both sides of the Iron Curtain. It is based on unprecedented access to the previously closed archives of each member of the Warsaw Pact, as well as once highly classified American documents from the National Security Council, CIA, and other intelligence agencies. Presented in a highly readable volume, the book offers top-level documents from Kremlin Politburo meetings, multilateral sessions of the Warsaw Pact leading up to the decision to invade, transcripts of KGB-recorded telephone conversations between Leonid Brezhnev and Alexander Dubcek. To provide a historical and political context, the editors have prepared essays to introduce each section of the volume. A chronology, glossary and bibliography offer further background information for the reader. The editors have a unique perspective to offer to foreign audiences since they are members of the commission appointed by Vaclav Havel to investigate the events of 1967-1970.

Edition details

• Publisher: Central European University Press
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 9637326677
• ISBN 13: 9789637326677
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 644
• Editor: Navratíl Jaromir, Bencík Antonín