Caricature As A Reflection Of Communist Propaganda In Bilateral Relations Between Albania And The Soviet Union (1945-1961)

Abstract

This study analyses the role of the artistic genre of political cartoons as a propaganda instrument in communist Albania during the years 1945–1961, with a focus on bilateral relations with the Soviet Union. Relying mainly on the visual materials of the political, satirical-humorous magazine “Hosteni”, the research examines the way in which iconographic language, ideological symbolism and graphic narrative were used to build the image of the USSR as the “big brother” and defender of socialism, as well as to demonise the capitalist West. Through the analysis of representative covers of the magazine “Hosteni”, the transformation of cartoons from an artistic tool into a political “weapon” for educating the masses and legitimising the official line of the Party of Labour of Albania is evidenced. The study shows that changes in visual discourse directly reflect the rapprochement, tensions and ultimately the breakdown of Albanian-Soviet bilateral relations, transforming cartoons into a mirror of the ideological dynamics of the time.