The Cold War and Soviet Insecurity: The Stalin Years

by Vojtech Mastny

In this long-awaited sequel to his acclaimed Russia's Road to the Cold War (1979), Vojtech Mastny offers a thorough history of the early years of the Cold War, drawing upon his extensive research in newly opened Soviet archives. Just as the earlier volume offered the definitive portrait of Joseph Stalin's foreign policy during World War II, The Cold War and Soviet Insecurity affords readers an equally superb account of Stalin's foreign policy during his last years. Combining important new data with the fascinating insights of one of our leading authorities on Soviet affairs, this book illuminates a crucial period in recent world history.

Genres: History, Soviet Union, Russia, Nonfiction

277 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 1996

Reviews

[Robin_bobin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kniha se blbě četla: bylo tam hrozně moc informací nahuštěných na sebe bez nějakého pořádného pojítka, jazyk nebyl ničím výjimečný. Vlastně jsem se ani moc nedozvěděl.

[Max · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times tedious due to the density of the text, both metaphorically and literally––the type was small. As a Czech citizen who grew up during the Cold War Mastny's work is clearly colored by the impact the Soviet Union held over his life, though his bias makes a more compelling narrative and is easy enough to identify. Take the work with a grain of salt, but it is informative and entertaining if you let it be.

3.5/5

[GreyAtlas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good details, but rather slanted commentary.

[Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very good. Mastny stays true to his thesis that Stalin himself caused many of the international issues he attempted to avoid. He references primary and secondary sources often and incorporates them well. The book is dense at some points and his wording can be tricky. Overall the book was very interesting and well written.

[Gurpreet Pannu · Rating 4 out of 5]

The madness and blunders which led to the cold war is presented in this book which is very engaging and well-researched.