“REDS” PLAY “WHITE”: DIPLOMATIC ASPECTS OF THE 1960–70S US–USSR CHESS STANDOFF
https://doi.org/10.18384/2224-0209-2023-3-1326
Abstract
Aim. To consider the diplomatic dimension of American–Soviet chess rivalry amid the advent of détente.
Methodology. Based on the analysis of declassified documents, the article examines the motives for the involvement of Soviet and American diplomats in the problems that arose from the championship. Historic-genetic method and the method of critical analysis of historical sources are used.
Results. The conclusion is made that Soviet and American diplomats deemed this event to be untimely. The unwillingness of the US to exacerbate ideological tensions around the championship is emphasized, as well as its steps to reduce the negative effects of the event.
Research implications. The results of this research allow us to conclude that Soviet and American diplomats interpreted sports events in the macro context of the ideological confrontation between those two systems.
About the Authors
Konstantin G. Vodopyanov
Moscow State Institute of International Relations (University) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Lecturer, Department of International Relations and Foreign Policy of Russia; External Postgraduate Student, Department of Oriental Studies
Evgenii S. Pankov
Moscow State Institute of International Relations (University) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Master’s Degree Student, Faculty of International Relations
References
1. Averbach Yu. L. Shakhmaty na stsene i za kulisami [Chess on stage and behind the scenes]. Moscow, Ripol-klassik Publ, 2003. 320 p.
2. Botvinnik M. M. [To achieve the goal]. In: Botvinnik M. M. Analiticheskie i kriticheskie raboty 1928–1986 [Analytical and critical works 1928–1986]. Moscow, Fizkultura i sport Publ., 1987, pp. 345–525.
3. Voronin A. S. [Diplomacy of the DRV at the Paris negotiations on Vietnam (1968–1973)]. In: Yugo-Vostochnaya Aziya: aktual'nye problemy razvitiya [Southeast Asia: Actual Problems of Development], 2012, no. 18, pp. 265–298.
4. Voronkov S. B. Russkie protiv Fishera [Russians vs. Fischer]. Moscow, Ripol-klassik Publ., 2004. 532 p.
5. Levin E. A. [The phenomenon of politicization of chess in the Soviet Union]. In: Sovremennye issledovaniya sotsial'nykh problem [Modern Studies of Social Problems], 2015, no. 11, pp. 87–98.
6. Alexander C. H. O’D. Fischer vs. Spassky, Reykjavik 1972. London, Wildwood House, 1972. 144 p.
7. Bjelica D. Bobby Fisher. Madrid, Zugarto, 1992. 346 p.
8. Brady F. Endgame: Bobby Fischer's Remarkable Rise and Fall. London, Constable, 2011. 413 p.
9. Edmonds D. Bobby Fisher Goes to War. New York, Ecco, 2004. 384 p.
10. Gligoric S. Fisher vs. Spassky: The Chess Match of the Century. London, Collins, 1972. 217 p.
Supplementary files
Review
Views:
195
Email this article 