World Since 1945, The: A Brief History

This book explores, chronologically, the intertwined international, political, and economic aspects of contemporary world history from 1945 to the 1990s--showing how these three factors taken together explain in large measure the evolution of global conflict and cooperation—from the alliances of the Second World War, to the appearance of the superpowers following the Second World War, to regional peacekeeping after the end of the Cold War. Considers: The Second Twentieth Century and the Second World War; The Beginning of the Cold War, 1945-1947; The Resurgence of East Asia; New Nations in South Asia; Africa and Latin America in the Third World; Nationalism and War in the Middle East; The West and the Soviet Empire in the cold War, 1953- 1991; and Local Wars, Global Economy: The World in the Late Twentieth Century. Includes separate essays that explain or illuminate the significance of crucial events in a period or that introduce individuals (both powerful actors and powerless victims) whose experiences and beliefs bring to life the human dimensions of the events discussed. Makes frequent use of contemporary opinions and images of trends—in the form of quotes from political leaders and observers, or reproductions of political posters and photographs. For anyone interested in Contemporary World History and World History Since 1945.