During the nearly sixty years of filmmaking, the always uneasy and often fractious Soviet-American relationship has been mirrored in Hollywood's portrayal of Russians and the Soviet Union. Friend or Foe? examines the portrayal of the Soviet Union in American film, and shows how these films reflect the attitudes of Americans, as well as how each portrayal changed with the often uneasy relations between the two countries.

The authors show how films, as rich repositories of national consciousness, can be analyzed to reveal time-bound insights into popular fears and obsessions. History lovers and film buffs will appreciate the tongue-in-cheek approach to many of the absurdist films. Scholars in history, film studies, and political science will find the depth and breadth of research useful. A filmography, bibliography, and photographs further complement the study.