1961 Memorandum from Director of the USIA (Murrow) to Kennedy

What was the U.S. Information Agency (USIA), and what role did it play during the Cold War?

The USIA (1953–1999) was a U.S. government agency responsible for promoting American policies and culture abroad—a key instrument of Cold War soft power and cultural diplomacy.

What did USIA Director Edward Murrow mean when he said the U.S. had the “Russians on the hip” with the Peace Corps?

He implied that U.S. cultural and humanitarian programs like the Peace Corps were effective tools for outmaneuvering Soviet influence, positioning American soft power as morally and ideologically superior.

What is the significance of Murrow’s statement that the U.S. exports its “underprivileged” like Marian Anderson and Louis Armstrong?

It reveals a strategic use of marginalized figures to portray an image of inclusivity and meritocracy abroad, countering Soviet critiques of American racism while privately acknowledging domestic inequality.

Why is Murrow’s phrase “certain aspects of our culture” important in understanding U.S. cultural diplomacy?

This line ultimately reflects the degree to which this image of “Americana” was strategically constructed in this period—curated not to reflect the full complexity of American life, but to project a palatable, exportable vision of national identity that emphasized cultural openness, racial progress, and democratic values.

What does the memorandum reveal about the nature of Cold War soft power?

It shows that soft power was not about reflecting reality, but about constructing an idealized image of the U.S.—using curated cultural exports to promote democracy, diversity, and modernity in the Global South.

How does Murrow’s private tone differ from public messaging, and why does that matter?

Unlike public statements, Murrow privately admits the gap between American ideals and realities, revealing the deliberate curation involved in projecting America’s global image during the Cold War.