ABSTRACT

This hugely successful global history of the twentieth century is written by four prominent international historians for first-year undergraduate level and upward.

Using their thematic and regional expertise, the authors have produced an authoritative yet accessible and seamless account of the history of international relations in the last century, covering events in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas. They focus on the history of relations between states and on the broad ideological, economic and cultural forces that have influenced the evolution of international politics over the past one hundred years.

The third edition is thoroughly updated throughout to take account of the most recent research and global developments, and includes a new chapter on the international history of human rights and its advocacy organizations, including NGOs.

Additional new features include:

  • New material on the Arab Spring, including specific focus on Libya and Syria
  • Increased debate on the question of US decline and the rise of China.
  • A timeline to give increased context to those studying the topic for the first time.
  • A fully revised companion website including links to further resources and self-testing material can be found at www.routledge.com/cw/best

Antony Best is Associate Professor in International History at the London School of Economics. Jussi M. Hanhimäki is Professor of International History and Politics at the Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva. Joseph A. Maiolo is Professor of International History at the Department of War Studies, Kings College London. Kirsten E. Schulze is Associate Professor in International History at the London School of Economics.

chapter |5 pages

Introduction

chapter 4|28 pages

The European colonial empires, 1900–45

chapter 7|34 pages

The path to European war, 1930–39

chapter 8|30 pages

The Second World War, 1940–45

chapter 11|26 pages

From Cold War to Détente, 1962–79

chapter 12|22 pages

The Vietnam Wars, 1945–79

chapter 18|34 pages

The Arab–Israeli conflict, 1949–2014

chapter 19|32 pages

The rise of political Islam, 1928–2014

chapter 23|25 pages

US decline in a globalized world?

chapter |3 pages

Conclusion: Where to Next?