Der Spiegel on the Deal of the Century “Gas-Pipe” (to the Issue of Energy Cooperation between the USSR and FRG in 1960 — Early 1980s)

About the authors:

Elena A. Igisheva, Dr. Sci. (Hist.), Professor, Department of General and Economic History, Ural State University of Economics (Yekaterinburg); teapoli3103@mail.ru

Sophia M. Moriy, Postgraduate Student, Department of General and Economic History, Ural State University of Economics (Yekaterinburg); edelweiss-19@mail.ru

Abstract:

In this article the authors attempt to provide a complex analysis of the “gas-pipe” deal as the brightest agreement in the field of energy cooperation between the USSR and FRG in 1960-80s. The analysis is performed on the data from Der Spiegel magazine — one of the most widely read West-German periodicals, which took a liberal position towards socialist countries. About thirty articles were selected for the study. These articles were published between 1963 and 1982. They highlighted how the project started and how it was implemented. The concern of the West-German journalists with “gas-pipes” agreements demonstrates the resonance that this project was of great interest not only to the political and business circles of West Germany, but also to the public. Although some magazine articles often criticised the Soviet Union, on the whole, Der Spiegel performed an important function in the support of energy cooperation between the Soviet Union and West Germany. Despite the tense international situation, the Soviet Union and West Germany overcame the political and ideological differences in the 1960s-80s and created the basis for successful partnership in the energy sector.

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