Harry Schwartz (journalist)

Harry Schwartz (1907-1993) was an American journalist and specialist on Soviet affairs. He was a long-time member of the editorial board of The New York Times, where he worked for over 40 years.

Schwartz earned a Ph.D. in economics from Columbia University. His deep understanding of economics, coupled with his fluency in Russian, allowed him to provide incisive analysis of the Soviet Union's economic system, political structure, and social conditions.

During the Cold War, Schwartz was considered a leading American expert on the USSR. He wrote extensively on Soviet agriculture, industry, and living standards, often challenging official Soviet pronouncements and exposing the shortcomings of the Soviet system. He traveled to the Soviet Union numerous times, providing firsthand observations and interviews.

Beyond his work on the Soviet Union, Schwartz also wrote on a wide range of domestic and international issues, including healthcare, education, and urban problems. He was a prolific author and commentator, contributing articles and op-eds to various publications.

Schwartz's work was known for its meticulous research, balanced perspective, and clear writing style. He played a significant role in shaping American public opinion and informing policy debates about the Soviet Union during a crucial period in history.