ABSTRACT

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-1980s 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 Cold War
  • 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 revised second edition of Russia, America and the Cold War is essential reading for all students of twentieth century history.

Martin McCauley is a seasoned writer and broadcaster who has a wealth of experience in Russian and international affairs. His recent publications include The Origins of the Cold War revised 3rd edition (2008), Stalin and Stalinism revised 3rd edition  (2008) and The Rise and Fall of the Soviet Union (2007)

part |2 pages

PART ONE CONTEXT

chapter 1|20 pages

INTRODUCTION: THE PROBLEM

chapter 2|10 pages

THE COLD WAR IN PERSPECTIVE

part |2 pages

PART TWO ANALYSIS

chapter 3|8 pages

COLD WAR I: 1949–1953

chapter 4|18 pages

TO THE BRINK AND BACK: 1953–1969

chapter 5|14 pages

DÉTENTE: 1969–1979

chapter 6|10 pages

COLD WAR II: 1979–1985

part |2 pages

PART THREE ASSESSMENT

chapter 8|16 pages

THE JUDGEMENT

part |1 pages

PART FOUR DOCUMENTS

chapter 1|2 pages

Khrushchev and Diversionary Tactics

chapter 3|3 pages

Kennedy and Vietnam

chapter 5|4 pages

Kissinger, Brezhnev and Détente

chapter 6|4 pages

The KGB

chapter 7|1 pages

The KGB and Italy

chapter 8|1 pages

The Russians and the Palestinians

chapter 9|2 pages

Afghanistan

chapter 10|3 pages

Poland

chapter 12|1 pages

Gorbachev’s New Thinking

chapter 13|1 pages

The Reykjavik Summit

chapter 14|1 pages

Gorbachev, Reagan and SDI

chapter 15|1 pages

Gorbachev and Mrs Thatcher

chapter 16|2 pages

Moscow and Fraternal Parties