Sino-Russian Collaboration Activity

How might the sources A-E be used to illustrate the importance in an authoritarain state of the media in the process of molding public opinion?

When considering the origin, content, and purpose of these sources, the importance of the media in the process of moulding public opinion in an authoritarian state can be seen. The first part of source A is an excerpt from a Chinese book, the other part is an open letter from the CPSU. The Chinese source intends to denounce Russian actions. It is very evident that this sentiment towards Russia is carried through China as well. The other Chinese sources reflect the same ideas. China’s media in source B exposes a similar sentiment from Khruschchev. Because the purpose of this article is to incite anti-Russian feelings in China, we do not know if this is an accurate The Russian part of source A is denouncing Chinese actions, showing that both countries viewed each other equally. Source B caries the same ideas about China from the Soviet Central Committee. Source C conveys similar sentiments back and forth between Russia and China. Russian media paints the Chinese as the aggressor blowing the boarder dispute out of proportion. The Chinese say similar things about the Russians. Source D was a Chinese newspaper article posted with the purpose to mar the reputation of Khrushchev, calling him a traitor to the communist cause. This shows us the tension between China and Russia, the media influences the public opinion about Russia. Source E consists of two speeches, one from Brezhnev. This source shows a change in mood from the other four sources. Brezhnev wanted to unite the socialist countries. However, the Chinese speech states that they do not want to be united with the USSR. All five sources reflect the social climate of that time. All but Brezhnev’s speech in source E convey the tension between China and Russia at this time. We can see how the media can mould the public opinion through their origin, content, and purpose.