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International History Declassified

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Exploring the Past, Informing the Present

Gain critical insights into international history and policy through declassified documents from governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide, curated by the Wilson Center.

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Saddam on the Phone in 1988
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The Saddam Files

Executive Committee of the National Security Committee during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
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Cuban Missile Crisis

Nikita Khrushchev at the UNGA, 1962.
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Khrushchev, Nikita Sergeevich

1894- 1971

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Sino-Soviet Relations

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Portrait of Mao Zedong from propaganda poster
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Mao, Zedong

Yekaterina Alekseyevna Furtseva
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Furtseva, Yekaterina Alekseyevna

Mikhail Gorbachev, 1986
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Gorbachev, Mikhail Sergeevich

Photograph of Helmut Kohl, 1982.
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Kohl, Helmut

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Portrait of Mao Zedong on Tiananmen Gate in Beijing, China, 1972.
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China

Pyongyang photographed in March 20212
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North Korea

Photograph of the Hands of Victory Monument in Baghdad.
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Iraq

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ICAN Speaks at a UN Press Conference, October 2017
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Civil Society and Nuclear Risk Reduction

Photograph of 38th parallel crossing during Korean War
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Korean War, 1950-1953

Berlin Wall between Mitte and Kreuzberg
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Berlin Wall

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July 20, 1997

Memo from Ronald Asmus to Strobe Talbott, 'Hanseatic Strategy'

This July 1997 memo outlines a proposed "Hanseatic Strategy" to support future NATO membership for the Baltic states. Acknowledging political resistance within the US and NATO, concerns over defensibility, and Russian opposition, the memo proposes a three-part strategy.

October 29, 1996

Cable, Secretary of State to US Embassy Vilnius, 'Acting Secretary and Lithuanian Fonmin on NATO Enlargement'

On October 8, 1996, Acting Secretary of State Strobe Talbott met with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Povilas Gylys to discuss NATO enlargement. Gylys warned that excluding Lithuania from early rounds of accession would damage its security and risk public perception of Western disengagement, while expressing concern over Kaliningrad’s future role. Talbott reassured Gylys of the US commitment to Baltic inclusion, emphasized that NATO’s door remains open, and framed the Baltic Action Plan as a complementary—not compensatory—measure to support accession and regional stability.

September 9, 1996

Cable, Secretary of State to US Embassy Tallinn, 'Acting Secretary Briefs Baltics on Action Plan'

On August 29, 1996, Acting Secretary of State Strobe Talbott briefed representatives from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania on the US Baltic Action Plan—a three-track strategy aimed at supporting the Baltics’ integration into Western institutions.

April 15, 1996

Cable, Secretary of State to US Embassy Tallinn, 'The Deputy Secretary’s Meeting with Estonian Foreign Minister Kallas, March 25'

This document details a March 25, 1996, meeting between US Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott and Estonian Foreign Minister Siim Kallas. Discussions focused on NATO enlargement, Baltic security, Russia's aggressive rhetoric ahead of elections, and Estonia’s commitment to reform and sovereignty. Talbott reaffirmed US support for Baltic sovereignty and NATO eligibility, encouraged Nordic-Baltic cooperation, and recommended addressing human rights concerns through the OSCE.

September 15, 1995

Cable, Secretary of State to US Embassy Tallinn, 'Acting Secretary Talbott Sept. 1 Meeting with Estonian P.M. Vahi: Focus on Russia and Security Concerns'

This document summarizes a September 1, 1995, meeting between Acting US Secretary of State Strobe Talbott and Estonian Prime Minister Tiit Vähi. They discussed Estonia’s desire for normalized relations with Russia, concerns over border negotiations and military pensioners, and threats from Russian officials regarding NATO cooperation. Talbott reaffirmed U.S. support for Estonia’s sovereignty, border resolution efforts, and potential future NATO membership, while also addressing U.S. concerns about press freedom and a defense procurement matter.

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