During the Cold War, both the United States and the Soviet Union invested significant resources into researching extrasensory perception (ESP), seeing potential strategic advantages in mind-reading and other parapsychological abilities. As tensions between the superpowers grew, intelligence agencies on both sides explored unconventional methods for gaining the upper hand, including attempts to harness psychic phenomena for espionage.

Reports from the era indicate that the CIA and Soviet agencies questioned whether ESP could be used to gather information or influence adversaries. This shared interest in parapsychology led to a decades-long race, with each side monitoring the other's progress and sometimes responding directly to rumors or claimed successes. The story of this unusual competition reveals a lesser-known side of the Cold War, where science, secrecy, and speculation collided.

The Cold War Context for ESP Research

The Cold War fostered rapid advances in unconventional research as the United States and the Soviet Union pursued new forms of intelligence gathering. Both nations explored psychic phenomena, aiming to gain strategic advantages in the shadowy world of espionage.

Rise of Parapsychology Amid Geopolitical Tensions

The rivalry between the Soviet Union and the United States extended far beyond traditional military and economic competition. Both countries invested in parapsychology, seeking to understand whether extrasensory perception (ESP) and psychokinesis could be developed into practical tools.

In the Soviet Union, scientific institutions such as the Academy of Sciences studied claims of telepathy, remote viewing, and other psychic abilities from the 1920s onward. Leading Soviet researchers like V.M. Bekhterev and V.L. Durov conducted experimental studies to assess the potential of ESP, integrating their findings into broader efforts to counter Western intelligence.

In the United States, interests peaked during the 1970s and 1980s as media reports and intelligence leaks suggested Soviets were making progress. This spurred a wave of research funding and the formation of dedicated programs aimed at closing any supposed “psychic gap.” These projects became intertwined with Cold War competition, as each side feared falling behind in unconventional intelligence capabilities.

Role of the Intelligence Community in Psychic Investigations

The intelligence communities in both nations assigned high priority to investigating psychic phenomena, motivated by the belief that ESP might be weaponized for espionage.

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in particular launched classified projects like Stargate, seeking to evaluate methods such as remote viewing for gathering information from afar. These programs often involved recruiting self-described psychics, conducting controlled experiments, and reporting outcomes to defense agencies.

The Soviet Union's intelligence apparatus, including the KGB, reportedly ran parallel initiatives within military and scientific circles. Researchers explored mind control, attempted to influence human behavior remotely, and investigated reports of telepathic communication between agents. These projects were sometimes published in sanitized form, but much activity remained secret.

Both nations treated psychic research as a potential strategic asset. The Cold War context ensured funding and institutional support for endeavors that would otherwise have been dismissed by mainstream science. Each side closely monitored the other's progress, fueling persistent interest and secrecy within the global intelligence community.

Soviet ESP Programs and Experiments

During the Cold War, the Soviet Union conducted extensive research into extrasensory perception (ESP), with Soviet scientists investigating psychic abilities for potential military and intelligence uses. Experiments ranged from telepathy and remote viewing to psychokinesis and mind control, creating an environment where parapsychology received serious attention and funding from government agencies.

Parapsychology Research Under Soviet Scientists

Soviet scientists received substantial support from government ministries, particularly after claims in the early 1960s that ESP could offer potential strategic advantages. Key research centers, such as the Institute of Psychology in Moscow, led experiments on telepathy, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis.

Notable figures like Leonid Vasiliev explored bio-communication and telepathic transmission over long distances. Soviet researchers used controlled laboratory settings and enlisted both civilian volunteers and trained subjects.

The Soviet Academy of Sciences backed these efforts with formal programs and published research in public and classified journals. Funding and support peaked when the Soviet defense establishment expressed interest in possible military applications, driving the scale and seriousness of ESP studies.

Psychic Discoveries Behind the Iron Curtain

Reports emerged in the West describing unusual Soviet breakthroughs in ESP, leading to claims of "psychic discoveries behind the Iron Curtain." Soviet researchers were rumored to have achieved telepathic communication between submarines and attempted to use psychics for military intelligence gathering.

In the 1970s, international attention focused on Soviet experiments involving gifted psychics such as Nina Kulagina, who demonstrated apparent psychokinetic abilities under observation. Details of several programs remained classified, fueling Western speculation.

Western intelligence agencies took these claims seriously, launching their own investigations and tracking Soviet scientific publications for clues on progress. This secrecy fostered both genuine interest and skepticism among foreign observers.

Soviet Mind Control and Psychokinesis Investigations

Soviet research did not stop at communication or psychic detection. Some projects aimed to explore mind control and the possibility of influencing thoughts or behaviors from a distance, raising ethical and strategic concerns.

Experiments often included attempts at psychokinesis, with researchers monitoring subjects allegedly able to move objects using mental concentration alone. High-profile demonstrations by Kulagina and others attracted attention from both scientists and military officials.

The government assessed whether such abilities could be weaponized or countered if used by adversaries. Though definitive evidence remained elusive, these investigations reflected the Soviet commitment to exploring all potential psychological frontiers during the Cold War.

American Government ESP Initiatives

During the Cold War, U.S. government agencies investigated extrasensory perception (ESP) as a potential tool for intelligence gathering and defense. Several programs, led by the CIA and Defense Intelligence Agency, harnessed both in-house and external research talent to explore the practical use of psychic phenomena in espionage.

CIA Experiments in Extrasensory Perception

The CIA began exploring ESP in the early 1970s with a focus on whether remote viewing and other psychic abilities could yield actionable intelligence. Initial experiments involved both military personnel and civilian volunteers claiming psychic abilities.

Experiments were often conducted under controlled conditions. Methods included asking participants to describe hidden objects or locations and to gather information on overseas targets.

Results were recorded and assessed for accuracy. In many early reports, some outcomes appeared promising, but findings were inconsistent and often difficult to verify independently. Despite these limitations, the CIA continued funding studies due to concerns about Soviet advances in psychic research.

Project Stargate and the Stargate Program

Project Stargate refers collectively to a series of programs sponsored by the CIA and the Defense Intelligence Agency from the 1970s through the 1990s. The program’s core objective was to determine if ESP, specifically remote viewing, could aid intelligence operations.

Remote viewers attempted to describe places, people, or activities beyond the range of the normal senses. Sometimes they worked from code words or geographic coordinates. Analyses compared their descriptions with real-world intelligence.

Outcomes were mixed. A few sessions produced accurate information that was later verified, while many others resulted in vague or unhelpful details. The program attracted both skepticism and limited support within the intelligence community. It formally ended in 1995 after declassification and an internal review found the results insufficient for operational use.

Stanford Research Institute’s Contributions

The Stanford Research Institute (SRI) played a central role in government-funded psychic research from 1972 onward. Physicists Russell Targ and Harold Puthoff led SRI’s remote viewing experiments under contract for the CIA and later, the Defense Intelligence Agency.

SRI developed standardized protocols for ESP testing, including blind trials and independent judging. Laboratory settings were designed to exclude conventional communication or sensory cues.

The institute produced several reports detailing successful instances of remote viewing, some of which gained attention for their apparent accuracy. Despite these highlights, peer reviews often raised questions about methodological rigor, reproducibility, and statistical significance. SRI’s work formed the backbone of government ESP research during this era.

Remote Viewing: Programs and Results

The U.S. and Soviet Union both explored remote viewing as part of their efforts to gain an intelligence advantage during the Cold War. Research efforts focused on testing, training, and evaluating individuals with reported psychic abilities, leading to notable results and debate within scientific and intelligence communities.

Remote Viewing in the U.S. Intelligence Community

Remote viewing was developed as a potential intelligence-gathering tool by U.S. agencies, most notably under projects like Stargate. The CIA and military sponsored research that evaluated whether selected individuals could describe distant or unseen locations using extrasensory perception.

A typical protocol involved a “remote viewer” attempting to describe hidden targets, such as geographic sites, without prior knowledge or clues. Official reviews found that, in some instances, descriptions from viewers showed “striking” similarities to actual targets, although the overall reliability remained in question.

According to CIA reports, remote viewing attracted attention because it sometimes produced accurate results for intelligence collection. However, skepticism persisted due to inconsistent outcomes and difficulties in replicating successes under controlled conditions.

Key Personalities: Joseph McMoneagle and Uri Geller

Joseph McMoneagle played a significant role as one of the most well-known remote viewers. Serving as a U.S. Army intelligence officer, he completed hundreds of remote viewing sessions and received a Legion of Merit award in 1984 for his contributions to military intelligence efforts involving psychic phenomena.

Uri Geller, though primarily associated with psychokinetic demonstrations like spoon bending, also took part in remote viewing experiments with both U.S. and allied intelligence agencies. He participated in controlled tests at Stanford Research Institute, where he provided detailed information about concealed photographs and objects. Some results astonished researchers, while critics questioned the experimental controls and potential for cueing.

Both figures helped bring attention to remote viewing, shaping public perception and fueling debate over the legitimacy and future of psychic espionage programs.

Comparing Soviet and American Approaches to Parapsychology

Soviet and American parapsychology research diverged in several critical ways. Differences in research methods, standards of scientific rigor, and ethical practices shaped the progress and credibility of each country's investigation into ESP phenomena.

Methodologies and Scientific Rigor

The Soviet Union often utilized a broader variety of research methods compared to the United States. Soviet researchers conducted experiments not only in controlled laboratory settings but also in military and applied contexts. They sought practical applications, which led to a wider spectrum of testing environments.

In the U.S., the approach to parapsychology leaned towards replicable laboratory experiments and statistical analysis. American researchers placed emphasis on double-blind protocols, quantitative measures, and peer review. This focus on methodological transparency was intended to satisfy the broader scientific community.

Key methodological contrasts:

Aspect Soviet Approach American Approach Research Focus Practical, Applied Controlled, Theoretical Experiment Types Diverse, Real-world Lab-based, Standardized Validation Internal review, variable Peer-review, Rigid protocols

Roles of Consent and Ethics in Research

Consent and ethics played different roles in Soviet and American parapsychology research. In the United States, ethical guidelines required explicit informed consent from research participants. Institutional review boards evaluated studies for compliance with ethical standards such as voluntary participation and minimizing harm.

Soviet research sometimes faced criticism for inconsistent application of ethical standards. The urgency of potential military or strategic benefit could take precedence over individual consent or full disclosure to participants. Documentation from the era indicates that, at times, the bounds of voluntary participation were unclear or secondary to state interests.

American investigations generally prioritized participant autonomy, while Soviet investigations often balanced—or subordinated—individual consent against national goals. This difference shaped both the reputation and long-term acceptance of parapsychology findings in each country.

ESP Phenomena Explored in Military and Intelligence Contexts

Both the United States and the Soviet Union investigated extrasensory phenomena for national security applications. These efforts included research into mental abilities and the connection between paranormal claims and subjects such as unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and occult practices.

Telepathy, Psychokinesis, and Anomalous Cognition

Major areas of research included telepathy, psychokinesis, and anomalous cognition. The U.S. military and intelligence agencies, including the CIA and Department of Defense, allocated funds to examine whether individuals could mentally influence objects or receive information without normal sensory input.

Reports indicated that both countries recruited individuals who claimed to have these abilities. Soviet labs reportedly tested psychics for psychokinetic skills such as moving or levitating objects. U.S. programs, like the Stargate Project, focused on "remote viewing"—gathering intelligence by visualizing distant or hidden targets.

Key Areas of Focus:

Telepathy: Mind-to-mind communication
Psychokinesis: Influencing objects without physical contact
Anomalous Cognition: Gaining information through means beyond standard perception

These studies were kept largely secret until later declassification and media reports revealed program details and outcomes.

The Allure of UFOS and the Occult

Interest in the paranormal during the Cold War extended beyond psychic abilities to topics like UFOs and occult beliefs. Military and intelligence officials from both superpowers tracked sightings of unexplained aerial objects, often attributing strategic significance to such reports.

Some U.S. and Soviet researchers examined claims linking UFO encounters with ESP or telepathic communication. Occult practices, including séance-like rituals or paranormal ceremonies, sometimes attracted government attention. Analysts assessed whether belief in these phenomena—or the phenomena themselves—could be used for psychological warfare or intelligence purposes.

Despite skepticism within the scientific community, these interests shaped the breadth of research funded during the decades-long rivalry.

Intelligence Agencies and Key Figures Involved

Both the CIA and NSA played significant roles in exploring psychic phenomena for national security. Individuals, including controversial operatives, often influenced the direction and credibility of these programs.

CIA Reports and the National Security Agency

The CIA initiated multiple projects on extrasensory perception (ESP), such as Project Star Gate in the early 1970s. This effort aimed to investigate and harness psychic phenomena—including remote viewing—for intelligence gathering against Soviet counterparts. A notable government report in 1972 suggested Soviet investments in ESP and psychokinesis, prompting the U.S. to fund similar research.

The National Security Agency (NSA) monitored global communications and analyzed intelligence concerning both U.S. and Soviet psychic research. The NSA often assessed the credibility of foreign claims and countered misinformation. These agencies closely cooperated, sharing findings and evaluating potential security threats that psychic programs might present.

Key Points:

Project Star Gate was one of several top-secret efforts.
Both agencies sought scientific validation of ESP techniques.
Results often remained inconclusive and highly classified.

Aldrich Ames and Controversial Cases

Aldrich Ames, a CIA officer later convicted of espionage for the Soviet Union, was not directly involved in the ESP programs but had access to intelligence that may have included psychic research initiatives. His betrayal highlighted risks associated with internal security in these sensitive projects.

Controversial cases emerged within both the CIA and NSA, including allegations of improper experimentation and misinformation. Debates often centered on the reliability of psychic sources and the ethical implications of human subject experiments conducted without consent. While Ames’s activities unfolded somewhat separately, his exposure of classified material added to skepticism about the integrity and oversight of intelligence work during this era.

Notable issues:

Security breaches increased doubts about project legitimacy.
Internal oversight was frequently questioned.
High-profile cases fueled public controversy over U.S. psychic research.

Legacy and Influence of Cold War ESP Research

Programs dedicated to extrasensory perception (ESP) left a distinctive imprint on science, national security policy, and public attitudes toward the paranormal. Research into mind-reading and psychic phenomena influenced not just intelligence agencies but also touched media, ethics, and scientific rigor.

Impact on Popular Culture and Ongoing Debates

Throughout the late twentieth century, Cold War ESP programs inspired numerous movies, television shows, and books. Espionage-themed entertainment incorporated psychics and telepathy, reflecting real-world research reportedly carried out by agencies such as the CIA and their Soviet counterparts.

Public fascination with psychics grew, feeding into a market for paranormal literature and television. Discussion of government-funded psychic programs sparked ongoing debates about both the possibility and the credibility of ESP. Some academics and skeptics criticized these efforts, while others argued the research expanded legitimate scientific boundaries.

Interest in psychic abilities has persisted, leading to annual conferences, active online communities, and continued scrutinization of the available evidence. These debates emphasize the enduring cultural relevance of Cold War ESP initiatives.

Scientific and Ethical Implications for Modern Investigations

Cold War ESP research pushed scientists and policymakers to confront challenges in experimental design, statistical analysis, and safeguards against deception or bias. Many early studies lacked rigorous controls, leading to conflicting interpretations and skepticism within mainstream science.

Current research into anomalous mental phenomena must now address more stringent ethical standards and improved methodologies. The history of government-supported psychic experiments raises important questions about the responsible use of public funds, oversight of unconventional research, and transparency in reporting results.

Key lessons from this era include the need for controlled environments, peer review, and clear protocols. Today’s investigations into the paranormal are shaped by these experiences, influencing grant approvals and the rigor of published work.

The Battle of Minds: Soviet vs. American ESP Research and the Race for Psychic Supremacy