The rise of the modern political intellectual "really flourished with the beginning of the Cold War," Ernest R. May, professor of History and director of the Institute of Politics, said last night at the Cambridge Forum.

May, a former dean of the College, said that this period was a catalyst in the rise of "government service--particularly at the advisory level."

These new political intellectuals, whom he described as "action-intellectuaLs," were mainly concerned with problems dealing with military policy, May said.

"We now tend to think of the action-intellectual as primarily the adviser--someone who prepares memoranda and study papers," he said.

Russia Made "Real"

May said that the development of research centers after the war "affected government because they affected public debate." He said that the role of Russian research centers has been particularly important because they have "demythologized the Soviet Union," making it seem "more real."