Established in 1961, the Novosti Press Agency was a state-owned organization tasked by the Soviet government with producing and distributing information to foreign countries. At its height, it controlled more than 1,171 newspapers, 523 magazines, and 18 radio stations in 23 countries. This poster was distributed in the United States by the Novosti Press Agency, and reflects the argument that the neutron bomb is a capitalist tool that would kill humans through intense radiation while leaving buildings and other property unharmed. It was accompanied by a book of the same name that featured similar cover artwork, asking readers to “sound the alarm.” Initially, the United States had planned to house neutron bombs in West Germany so that they could be used as a bargaining chip with the Soviet Union. The goal was supposed to be a limited deployment of neutron bombs in exchange for the U.S.S.R. agreeing to reduce its tank forces near the borders of Western European countries.
For inquiries about image licensing, please contact collections@posterhouse.org.