Abraham Lincoln - Parapluie anti-nucléaire Circa 1970

This Soviet propaganda poster from around 1970 offers a satirical critique of the Western concept of the “nuclear umbrella,” a strategic doctrine developed during the Cold War. The image uses visual irony to question whether nuclear weapons truly provide protection or merely reinforce the dominance of military power.

At the center of the composition stands a caricature resembling Abraham Lincoln, instantly recognizable by his tall hat, beard, and formal attire. In his hands he holds an umbrella whose handle and structure are formed from missiles marked “US.” The umbrella canopy is labeled in Russian “Антиядерный зонтик”—literally “Anti-nuclear umbrella.”

The image mocks the Western strategic concept often referred to as the Nuclear umbrella, under which the United States promised nuclear protection to allied nations, particularly members of NATO. Soviet propaganda frequently portrayed this policy as hypocritical—claiming that the same weapons said to protect the world were also those capable of destroying it.

Next to the figure appears a short caption:

“Вот зонт системы Пентагона,
И не при чем тут оборона.”

A careful English translation reads:

“Here is the umbrella of the Pentagon system,
And defense has nothing to do with it.”

Your French translation “Abraham Lincoln – Parapluie anti-nucléaire” partially reflects the imagery but does not fully capture the original message. A closer translation of the title and text would be:

The poster’s meaning becomes clear through its visual metaphor. The umbrella—normally a symbol of protection—is constructed from missiles, implying that the supposed shield of nuclear deterrence is itself made of weapons of mass destruction. By presenting the figure of Lincoln, a historical symbol of American democracy, the artist adds an extra layer of irony, suggesting that modern military policy contradicts the ideals often associated with American political heritage.

Stylistically, the poster relies on simplified shapes, bold contrasts, and exaggerated caricature. The stark white background isolates the central figure and emphasizes the absurdity of the object he holds. This direct visual approach was typical of Soviet political posters, designed to communicate complex geopolitical critiques through instantly understandable imagery.

Today, posters like this remain compelling artifacts of Cold War visual culture. They reveal how political satire and graphic design were used as tools of ideological messaging, transforming global strategic debates into striking and memorable visual metaphors.

Original Poster

Propaganda - USSR - Cold War - Russia

This is the Pentagon system, which encompasses everything, and defense has nothing to do with it

Good condition, creases visible