The United States Information Agency (USIA) was established in 1953 as the U.S. government’s primary arm for public diplomacy and international broadcasting during the Cold War era. Headquartered... View More

The United States Information Agency (USIA) was established in 1953 as the U.S. government’s primary arm for public diplomacy and international broadcasting during the Cold War era. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., USIA commissioned posters, films, and radio programs designed to promote American culture, values, and foreign policy to global audiences.

USIA’s graphic campaigns—featuring bold typography, vivid imagery, and optimistic messaging—sought to counter Soviet propaganda by showcasing U.S. achievements in science, freedom, and economic prosperity. Artists working for USIA combined modernist design principles with clear, persuasive argumentation, producing thousands of print and poster works distributed worldwide. After being merged into the State Department in 1999, USIA’s extensive visual archives remain a rich resource for studying mid‑20th‑century propaganda, design history, and the art of persuasion.