Educational initiatives as a tool in the United States foreign policy during the Cold War

This bachelor's thesis explores the strategic deployment of educational diplomacy as a form of soft power in the United States' containment strategy against communism during the Cold War. Focusing on the Fulbright Program and the Ford Foundation as illustrative cases, the study analyzes how educational initiatives became instrumental tools in shaping international perceptions and advancing U.S. interests. The analysis underscores how education served as a potent soft power tool, allowing the U.S. to influence global narratives and cultivate a positive image. Through student exchanges, the Fulbright Program facilitated the spread of American ideals and values, creating a network of individuals worldwide who had firsthand experience with U.S. education and culture. This interpersonal diplomacy fostered understanding, eroded stereotypes, and built a foundation for long-term alliances. Simultaneously, the Ford Foundation's support for educational and cultural projects abroad amplified the impact of U.S. soft power. By investing in international development and fostering educational infrastructure, the foundation contributed to the dissemination of democratic principles and free-market ideologies. The thesis explores how these efforts countered communist influence. The success of educational diplomacy during the Cold War is evident in its lasting effects. The thesis highlights how the relationships forged through these programs laid the groundwork for enduring partnerships, contributing to the formation of a global community that shared common educational values. Ultimately, the soft power of education played a pivotal role in the U.S. containment strategy, shaping international perceptions and building a network of allies whose ties extended beyond politics into the realm of academia and cultural exchange.