Russia America & The Cold War 1949 1991

The conflict between Russia and America shaped the world for over four decades. Both were universalist powers - they wanted every country in the world to copy their model of government and economy. They could not rest until the other side had been vanquished, and until the mid-1980's this included the prospect of nuclear war.

In a new edition of one of the best-selling books in the Seminar Studies in History Series, Martin McCauley looks at the epic struggle between the two superpowers that put everyone in danger. In a clear and accessible manner, the book:

• gives a succinct summary of the main turning points in the conflict
• looks at how the whole world was sucked into the conflict
• shows how the arms race eventually bankrupted Russia
• discusses whether or not America and Russia have learnt anything from this confrontation

 

Also containing a Chronology, Glossary and Who's Who of key figures, this second edition of Russia, America and the Cold War is essential reading for all students of twentieth century history.

Martin McCauley is an experienced, seasoned writer of many books on Russian and international affairs.

Martin McCauley tracks US/Soviet relations through the troubled years of the Cold War. He illustrates how the two superpowers vied with one another in the Middle East, Far East, Africa and the Caribbean. Using a chronological framework, the author sets all the events in full global context and throughout he charts the progress of the arms race and addresses a variety of key questions, such as "Did the Cold War break the Soviet union? Did America win the Cold War? Why did the Cold War end?".

Foreword to the second edition

Chronology

List of maps

PART ONE: THE CONTEXT

1.