The Cambridge History of the Cold War, Volume II: Crises and Detente

The Cambridge History of the Cold War #2

by Melvyn P. Leffler (Editor), Odd Arne Westad (Editor)

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.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, Academic

640 pages, Hardcover

First published February 28, 2010

About the author

Melvyn Paul is an American historian and educator, currently Edward Stettinius Professor of History at the University of Virginia

Reviews

[Steve Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The information presented in this history is copious and well-organised. The aggregate effect of these essays (50 so far) is to place our recent history and the massive shift to a bi-polar world (1947 - 1990) under a bright light for fresh interpretation.

The picture that emerges is necessarily incomplete, but at 1,500 pages the editors have given it the old college try. Even so, there are a couple of areas I feel could have been more fleshed-out:

Numerous references are made to ideology, and some explanations are given as to some of each side’s basic principles; but a chapter dedicated to the evolution of ideology in the West and the Soviet Union (what the Bolsheviks’ original aims were, how they went about achieving them, and how they got subverted) would have been helpful in assessing and comparing the relative merits and pitfalls of each side’s approach.

Another area that gets too little attention is the role big business played in this conflict. We’ve been warned about the military-industrial complex, but its rise and continued preponderance get barely a mention in any of these essays so far. Especially murky are specific examples of how business and the governments have worked together to further Cold War agendas. Maybe these weren’t deemed adequately significant, but their near-complete absence makes it impossible to know what role direct governmental intervention in markets played: an important question when one side claims markets should be free.

In the big scheme these are quibbles. The solid block of facts and analysis here will take time to digest. Maybe when I finish the third volume, I’ll have drawn more conclusions about this one :)

[AskHistorians]

By far the most comprehensive book on the entirety of the Cold War, from origins to the collapse to resulting consequences. Written by eminent scholars in the field. A must read.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some very enlightening essays on the middling years of the Cold War.

[Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

same as vol 1!

[Sarah u · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notes for my reference:


April 2017:

Essay 4: 'The Cuban Missile Crisis' by James Hershberg