Screening of a documentary film Invasion of 1968: Russian Perspective and presentation of the book The Soviet Invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, The Russian Perspective by Josef Pazderka, offering a unique view of the August 1968 events from the perspective of Soviet dissidents and intelligence.

Followed by a Q&A with the author and director Josef Pazderka.

Invasion of 1968: Russian Perspective, 2011, director Josef Pazderka, produced by Czech Television, 57 min, Czech Republic.

This collection of interviews, diaries, and scholarly analyses is the first comprehensive look at Russian sentiments in the wake of the Warsaw Pact occupation of Czechoslovakia in August 1968. The film features the reflections of Russian soldiers, dissidents, and journalists, giving new and greater insight into those involved in and affected by the Soviet invasion.

“One of the leading Czech journalists, Josef Pazderka is an authority on Russia who has now produced a meticulous, evenhanded look at the Soviet participants and observers of the USSR’s 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia. From army privates to generals, dissidents to top officials, their previously under-reported experiences and perceptions provide a valuable understanding of a wrenching event for Pazderka’s country and a major episode in Cold War history that remains highly relevant to the geopolitical confrontation in Europe today.”
— GREGORY FEIFER, Harvard University

“The Prague Spring of 1968 and its violent suppression by the Warsaw Pact tanks was initially viewed as just a family squabble within the Soviet bloc. It seemed to be of little concern to others. But Josef Pazderka and his co-authors have brilliantly exploded this myth. They show that the invasion was a breaking point in the history of the Cold War. The specter of Soviet tanks unleashed by the Kremlin to crush a mild reform effort demonstrated to millions of Russians that communism was unimprovable and that it would have to be rejected for people to regain their right to pursue happiness.”
— IGOR LUKES, Boston University

venue: Bohemian National Hall, 321 E. 73rd Street, 1st floor

Free and open to the public. Seats are limited, on first-come, first-served basis. RSVP online through Eventbrite.

This event is organized by Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences New York (SVU) and Czech Center New York, with support of BBLA.