The World Since 1945: An International History

by P.M.H. Bell, Mark Gilbert

A masterly synthesis of the history of the contemporary world, The World Since 1945 offers the ideal introduction to the events of the period between the end of the Second World War and the present day. P. M. H. Bell and Mark Gilbert balance a clear narrative with in-depth analysis to guide the reader through the aftermath of the Second World War, the Cold War, decolonization, Détente and the Arab-Israeli Conflict, up to the on-going ethnic strife and political instability of the 21st century.

The new edition has been thoroughly revised to fully reflect developments in the history and historiography of the post-war world, and features five new chapters on the post-Cold War world, covering topics
- The rise and fall of American hegemony
- The decline of Europe
- The rise of Asia
- Political Islam as a global force
- The role of human rights

The World Since 1945 challenges us to better understand what happened and why in the post-war period and shows the ways in which the past continues to exercise a profound influence on the present. It is essential reading for any student of contemporary history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

584 pages, Paperback

First published May 4, 2001

About the author

Philip Michael Hett Bell was Reader in History at the University of Liverpool

Reviews

[Douglas MacGregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I probably wouldn't give this book as high a review in 2017, but it was the book that got me into reading history in 2002.

[Asami]

Very insightful.