Beginning with World War II and ending with the collapse of the Soviet Union, this is a new account of the strategic dynamics that drove the age, with portraits of its major personalities and much fresh insight into its most crucial events. It contains much new information drawn from newly opened Soviet, East European, and Chinese archives. Now, as America once again finds itself in a global confrontation with an implacable ideological enemy, this is a story whose lessons it is vitally necessary to understand.--From publisher description.

Originally published: New York : Penguin Press, 2005. Army reading list. Includes maps of: European Territorial Changes, 1939-1947; Divided Germany and Austria; Korean War, 1950-1953; U.S. and U.S.S.R. Alliances and Bases, Early 1970s; Middle East, 1967, 1979; Near East in Upheaval, 1980; 1980s Soviet View; Post-Cold War Europe.

The return of fear -- Deathboats and lifeboats -- Command versus spontaneity -- The emergence of autonomy -- The recovery of equity -- Actors -- The triumph of hope.