The Cambridge History of the Cold War Volume 2: Crises and Détente

Volume Two of The Cambridge History of the Cold War examines the developments that made the Cold War into a long-lasting international system during the 1960s and 1970s. Leading scholars explain how the Cold War seemed to stabilize after the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 and how this sense of increased stability developed into the detente era of the early 1970s. They also outline how conflicts in the Third World, as well as the interests and ideologies of the superpowers, eroded the detente process. The volume delves into the social and economic histories of the conflict, processes of integration and disintegration, arms races, and the roles of intelligence, culture, and national identities. Discussing the newest findings on US and Soviet foreign policy, on key crises, on policies in and outside of Europe, and on alliances and negotiations, this authoritative volume will define Cold War studies for years to come.

Reviews:

"There has never been a Cold War history like it; everything about it is monumental…. In total, the volumes represent a successful interconnected attempt at describing the Cold War in full." -H-Soz-u-Kult

"The geographic span of the book is particularly impressive, covering many regions and countries, including those not traditionally integrated into the narrative... In this way, the authors combine the thematic-chronological approach with a regional context, significantly expanding our concept of the Cold War and its impact on countries and peoples." -Ilya Gaiduk, H-Diplo

"this fine volume brings together leading scholars in the field to present in clear and perceptive chapters the latest knowledge and the current state of debate on the Cold War. There is no better place to begin to understand this conflict." -Michael Hopkins, H-Diplo

"a sophisticated and lucid history of the Cold War during its second phase" -Sandra Scanlon, H-Diplo

"if (I) could recommend just three books to a reader with no prior knowledge of the Cold War - the average undergraduate, say - it would likely be this series. The breadth and depth of coverage, in disciplinary and geographical terms, is unparalleled." -David Milne, H-Diplo

'… a sophisticated and lucid history of the Cold War during its second phase…' Sandra Scanlon, H-Diplo