[2][3] New York, 1946: a leading US newspaper company sends Harry Smith, a talented correspondent, to the Soviet Union.

His task is to write a scaremongering report about the Soviet belligerent and expansionist intentions in order to further a widespread campaign of propaganda undertaken by the American media and the conservative elite.

Back in the United States, Harry finds himself torn by a dilemma between his consciousness as an honest journalist, and the menacing pressure of his superiors, forcing him to write a convenient untruth.

[2][3] Keeping its ideological design in mind, The Russian Question remains a sophisticated and objective, if somewhat critical portrayal of American Cold War political society.

The bulk of the film is centered on American culture, society, politics, history, economy and way of life.