The Cold War: A Very Short Introduction

by McMahon, Robert J.

• ISBN13: 9780198859543
• ISBN10: 0198859546
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780192603272
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780192801784
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2021-05-03
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• More Book Details

About This Book

The Cold War: A Very Short Introduction

ISBN: 9780198859543

About This Book

The Cold War: A Very Short Introduction is a comprehensive and engaging textbook that delves into the complexities of the Cold War era. Written by renowned historian Robert J. McMahon, this book offers a concise yet detailed exploration of the Cold War, covering its origins, global impact, and eventual end.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and educators in introductory courses on international relations, history, and political science. It is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the historical context and global implications of the Cold War. Whether you're a history buff, a student of international relations, or simply curious about this pivotal period in modern history, this book provides a clear and insightful guide.

History and Editions

The second edition of The Cold War: A Very Short Introduction was published on May 3, 2021. This edition has been updated to incorporate recent scholarship and newly available documents, offering a fuller analysis of the Vietnam War, the changing global politics of the 1970s, and the end of the Cold War. The book's concise format makes it an ideal resource for those looking to quickly grasp the essence of this complex period.

Author and Other Works

Robert J. McMahon is a distinguished historian known for his work on international relations and the Cold War. His writing style is clear and engaging, making complex historical concepts accessible to a broad audience. McMahon has authored several books on international history, including other titles in the Very Short Introductions series.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Coverage: The book provides a thorough overview of the Cold War era, from its origins to its conclusion.
• Global Perspective: It offers a truly international history, not just focusing on the Soviet-American struggle but also exploring the waves of decolonization, revolutionary nationalism, and state formation in the non-Western world.
• Historical Context: McMahon places the 'Hot Wars' that cost millions of lives in Korea, Vietnam, and elsewhere within the larger framework of global superpower competition.
• Authoritative Insights: The book unpacks how perceived security needs and fears shaped U.S. and Soviet decisions during the Cold War, highlighting the divergent cultures, ideologies, and historical experiences of the two principal contestants and their allies.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780198859543
• eBook: Available through various digital platforms
• eAudiobook: Available online

Publication Details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication Date: May 3, 2021
• Number of Pages: 208
• Language: English

Other Editions and Formats

• First Edition: Available through Oxford University Press (ISBN: 9780198859536)
• eBook Formats: Various digital formats available (ISBNs may vary)
• Related ISBNs:
• 9780198859536 (First Edition)
• 9781666120332 (eBook Format)
• 9780192603272 (eBook Format)

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for The Cold War: A Very Short Introduction, making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Author Biography

Robert J. McMahon, Ralph D. Mershon Professor of History Emeritus, Ohio State University

Robert J. McMahon is the Ralph D. Mershon Professor of History Emeritus at Ohio State University. The author of several books on U.S. foreign relations, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War, he previously taught at the University of Florida and has held visiting professorships at Williams College, the University of Virginia, University College Dublin, and the Free University (Berlin). McMahon served as president of the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations in 2001.

Table of Contents

Preface
List of illustrations
List of maps
1. World War II and the destruction of the old order
2. The origins of the Cold War in Europe, 1945-50
3. Towards 'Hot War' in Asia, 1945-50
4. A global Cold War, 1950-8
5. From confrontation to detente, 1958-68
6. Cold wars at home
7. The rise and fall of superpower detente, 1968-79
8. The final phase, 1980-90
Further reading
Index