The Cold War dominated international relations for forty-five years. It shaped the foreign policies of the United States and the Soviet Union and deeply affected their societies, domestic situations and their government institutions. Hardly any part of the world escaped its influence.
David Painter provides a compact and analytical study that examines the origins, course, and end of the Cold War. His overview is global in perspective, with an emphasis on the Third World as well as the contested regions of Asia and Central America, and a strong consideration of economic issues. He includes discussion of:
- the global distribution of power
- the arms race
- the world economy.
The Cold War gives a concise, original and interdisciplinary introduction to this international state of affairs, covering the years between 1945 and 1990.
1 Introduction, 2 The Cold War begins, 1945–50, 3 Competition and coexistence, 1950–62, 4 From Cold War to détente, 1963–73, 5 From détente to confrontation, 1973–80, 6 The rise and fall of the second Cold War, 1981–91, 7 Understanding the Cold War
Biography
David S. Painter is Professor of History at Georgetown University
'Painter presents a very good analysis of the end of the Cold War.' - Journal of Contemporary History
'The Cold War is a very good combination of a comprehensive yet remarkably succinct account of the origins, development and conclusion of the Cold War that will serve as an excellent introductory text ... while providing a very handy overview for any interested reader.' - Slavonic and East European Review 80, 2002
