CCCP Longsleeve

The Cold War (1947–1991) was as much a war of words and symbols as it was of geopolitics. Both superpowers—the Soviet Union and the United States—relied heavily on propaganda to shape perceptions, justify their positions, and sway global opinion. This design revives a quintessential artifact from that era: the Soviet poster warning, "Не советуем устраивать пробу сил, господин Рейган!" ("We do not advise testing strength, Mr. Reagan!").

The Language of Power

Propaganda was a mirror of Cold War tensions. The USSR framed its messaging around anti-imperialism, portraying itself as a defender against Western aggression while highlighting its military and technological achievements. Posters like this one, directed at U.S. President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, were meant to project Soviet resolve during a period of escalated arms buildup and ideological confrontation. The tone was often defiant, blending warnings with displays of strength.

On the other side, the U.S. framed its narrative around freedom and democracy, depicting the Soviet system as oppressive and expansionist. American propaganda emphasized consumer prosperity, individual liberties, and the perceived moral superiority of the West, while casting the USSR as a threat to global stability.