Tito: Straddling Both Sides in the Cold War



Overview

Maintaining power for 35 years, Tito was a skilful political operator who purged his rivals at home and pursued a non-aligned foreign policy abroad after the breach with Stalin in 1948.

Navigating diplomatically between the Soviets and Americans, he did enough to please both sides. Posing as a true Communist, he flattered Khrushchev and his successors, greatly assisting the Soviets in crushing the 1956 Hungarian uprising. But feigning fear of a Soviet invasion, he secured weapons and money from the Americans, becoming an ’unofficial member of NATO’. Cynically, in private he mocked the naivety of the West for its provision of aid. After his death, critics, especially Nora Beloff, claimed that he left only a flawed legacy.

This lecture is part of the 'European Leaders in the Cold War' lecture series, taking place on Fridays from 18 October to 22 November 2024. You may either register for individual lectures or you may choose to register for the entire lecture series at a reduced price.

Please note: this lecture will close to enrolments at 23:59 UTC on 5 November 2024.

Programme details

2–3.15pm GMT (UTC)

For those attending in person at Rewley House, registration takes place from 1.45pm. The lecture will last approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, followed by questions. Tea and coffee are provided in the Common Room after each lecture, from 3.15pm.

For those joining us online, please join in good time before each lecture to ensure that you have no connection problems. We recommend joining 10-15 minutes before the start time.

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee - in-person attendance (includes tea/coffee) £35.00
Course Fee - virtual attendance £30.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit or are a full-time student in the UK you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees.

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Dr Martin Holmes

Dr Martin Holmes is a member of the Senior Common Room at St Hugh’s College, where he was previously Lecturer in Politics for over 20 years. Additionally, he has been Director of the annual Nebraska at Oxford summer program since 1989. For the OUDCE he has taught several syllabi on the Foundations of Diplomacy course over the past decade, as well as guest lectures for the Diplomatic Studies Program. A strong supporter of lifelong education, he has also been a regular lecturer for the University of the Third Age (U3A). A specialist in International Relations and European Integration, he is the author of seven books. His latest publication, a diplomatic history of 20th century Europe, was published by Routledge in August: From the Treaty of Versailles to the Treaty of Maastricht: Conflict, carnage and cooperation in Europe 1918 – 93.

Application

Please use the 'Book' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the price, but if you wish to stay with us the night before the course, then please contact our Residential Centre.

Accommodation in Rewley House - all bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished and each room has tea and coffee making facilities, Freeview television, and Free WiFi and private bath or shower rooms. Please contact our Residential Centre on +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk for details of availability and discounted prices. For more information, please see our website: https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/accommodation

IT requirements

For those joining us online

We will be using Zoom for the livestreaming of this lecture. If you’re attending online, you’ll be able to see and hear the speakers, and to submit questions via the Zoom interface. Joining instructions will be sent out prior to the start date. We recommend that you join the session at least 10-15 minutes prior to the start time – just as you might arrive a bit early at our lecture theatre for an in-person event.

Please note that this course will not be recorded.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support