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at_the_pinnacle's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
3.75
A valuable narrative of the Cold War that explores the ideological roots and decisions behind the Cold War. Odd Arne Westad explores the dynamics of the Cold War, looking at both Soviet and American perspectives and conflicts as well as that of China and the Third World. Westad also reflects on the aftermath of the Cold War and the lessons we should have and can take from the conflict.
There are parts of the book where ideas are too briefly covered, and narratives rushed through to add to the overall theses, but Westad uses the craft of History to weave together a story of two states that came so close to nuclear war, and the lessons we can learn.
There are parts of the book where ideas are too briefly covered, and narratives rushed through to add to the overall theses, but Westad uses the craft of History to weave together a story of two states that came so close to nuclear war, and the lessons we can learn.
aaroninpages's review against another edition
5.0
Different from any typical Cold War book, which primarily focuses on US-Soviet relations, this book covers the Cold War in every theatre. Very interesting!
mollys_27's review against another edition
4.0
Though it took me quite a while to get through the first few chapters, this was undoubtedly a thorough overview of the Cold War, the circumstances that led to it, and its aftermath. It was hard to keep track of names and what events happened in which countries, though part of that may have been due the fact that I wasn't born until 15 years after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, as well as the fact that I received virtually no relevant world history knowledge in school (thanks, US education system). My lack of context definitely made it more difficult to keep track of what was going on. Regardless, I definitely have a better appreciation of the general themes of the Cold War and the impact that it had on the world as a whole and our politics today.
tristanpej's review against another edition
4.0
Went a tad easy on the US, but it was really well made.