The Shadow of the Cultural Cold War

Giles Scott-Smith, Professor of Transnational Relations and New Diplomatic History, Leiden University

08-Sep-25 18:00

Pause
Embed

For some, the Cold War between the USA and USSR was about military strategies of containment, proxy wars in the Third World and covert activities, but it did also come with a large dose of cultural and ideological rivalry, some of which endures to this day. Together with Giles Scott-Smith, we discuss the other side of the Cold War, which found its way into the arts, literature, and even music.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Produced by: Sharaad Kuttan, Alia Zefri

Presented by: Sharaad Kuttan

This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories: History/Heritage, music, visual arts, Literature/Philosophy, culture, film, international, politics

Tags: us, ussr, art, cia,

Today’s Shows

6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Dilin Wu, Research Strategist, Pepperstone tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Herman Chan, Bloomberg Intelligence discusses the outlook for US regional banks.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Dr. Sonia Mycak of ANU weighs in on Washington’s new sanctions against Russia’s major oil companies.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Munira Mustaffa, Chasseur Group & Dr. Benjamin Loh, Monash University talks about disinformation & media literacy.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister talks about the upcoming ASEAN Summit and MITI's role in ensuring Malaysia's economic resilience.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

We dive into the local and international news that matters to you.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Dilin Wu, Research Strategist, Pepperstone tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Herman Chan, Bloomberg Intelligence discusses the outlook for US regional banks.

9:35 AM

What's The Focus

We wrap up the week’s biggest conversations to keep you in the know.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

Alvin Andrew, Founder, FUBIZO

11:00 AM

Mattsplained

Matt Armitage, Founder, Kulturpop

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

Farid Zakwan, Team Captain & Macy Lim, Lam Research, Ilylia Kamaruzaman, Founder, Roboticist Malaysia

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Our flagship show, we feature both game-changers and groundbreakers in the hot seat.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Front Row

We find out about the A4 Art Fair 2025, which celebrates “The Art of Everything,” blurring the lines between art, design, and everyday life.

3:20 PM

Front Row

What began as a small neighbourhood collaboration has grown into PESZTA, a vibrant festival celebrating Kampung Attap’s creative spirit. We speak to the organisers about what’s new in its fourth edition.

3:35 PM

Front Row

Tewas: No Light at the End of the Tunnel brings real stories of school bullying in Malaysia to the stage. We speak to the creators about using theatre as a space for empathy, healing, and dialogue.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

Doctor in the House: Are kids today living in an environment that is “too hygienic”? Are their immune systems really becoming weaker? Find out from the expert.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

6:00 PM

Popcorn Culture

We review Good Fortune, and then discuss the best (and worst) of Keanu Reeves movies.

7:00 PM

Just For Kicks

8:00 PM

Bar None

9:00 PM

The Selector

PROGRAMMES