Decolonization and the Global Cold War in the 1970s

The 1970s were a decade of profound transformation, defined by the rise of authoritarianism, escalating geopolitical tensions, widespread labor unrest, inflationary pressures, worsening ecological crises, the emergence of new sexual and gender norms, and the growing erosion of public trust in political institutions. These seismic shifts marked a clear departure from the past, reshaping the world we live in today.

Inspired by Michael Hardt's acclaimed book, The Subversive Seventies (2023), this exhibition explores the pivotal events of that era and their lasting impacts. It posits that revisiting the 1970s can offer valuable insights into both the challenges and potential solutions to the crises shaping our contemporary world.

This exhibition is the product of a collaborative effort among colleagues in International and Area Studies. It highlights a selection of books from the Perkins and Bostock Libraries—spanning archival materials to more recent publications—offering a global perspective on the 1970s. The collection examines the decade through the lens of the Cold War, decolonization, and the emergence of free-market ideologies.