Historians of American foreign relations are continuing to expand the ways in which they approach the Cold War. The range of perspectives has evolved thanks to the influence of emerging fields and new emphases in history. The end of the Cold War revealed the many ways in which the conflict was a protracted global war. But it also brought a renewed…

On May 1, 2011, a group of U.S. soldiers boarded helicopters at a base in Afghanistan, hoping to find a man named Osama bin Laden. Bin Laden, the leader of the al Qaeda terrorist network, was responsible for a number of terrorist attacks around the world, including those of September 11, 2001, that killed nearly 3,000 people in the United States.…

The United States and China each play a vital role in the other's security strategy and share a desire to deter the Soviet Union from the use of force against other nations. Washington and Beijing Peking must stabilize their bilateral relations and hold regular consultations to understand each other's security strategy. (SR)

The primary source document reproduced here consists of the first two pages of a briefing notebook prepared for President Eisenhower outlining the issues to be raised with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev during his visit to the United States in 1959. Teaching activities are suggested. (RM)

Presents an interview of the authors regarding their forthcoming book, including biographical sketches of Dean Acheson, Averell Harriman, Robert Lovett, George Kennan, John McCloy, and Charles Bohlen, all charter members of the post-World War II foreign policy establishment. (JDH)

From the Soviet perspective arms control agreements merely hold the United States in check while the Soviets, who don't feel bound by such agreements, obtain military advantages. The United States must move quickly to redress the strategic military balance that now favors the Soviets. We must emphasize areas like space. (RM)

If the United States can lower its expectations just enough, it can put together a series of agreements which will constitute an arms control breakthrough that will serve our interests for decades to come. (Author/RM)

Nuclear war is unthinkable, psychologically unfeasible, and untenable technically; conventional war against the Russians is impossible. Therefore, time and money should not be spent preparing for confrontation. Proposals are made for redirecting funds. (RM)

How some nations are motivated by political or geo-political considerations when denouncing human rights abuses is examined. Examples from US and Russian foreign policies are discussed. (RM)

Explains the "Truman Doctrine" speech within the context of Truman's presidential speaking during his first two years in office. Explores the philosophical and psychological factors underlying Truman's reticence to comment on deteriorating U.S.--U.S.S.R. relations. Concludes that Truman failed at the central task of the rhetorical…

Presents passages from the memoirs of Richard Nixon and Nikita Khrushchev which reveal their recollections regarding the famous "Kitchen Debate." Provides activity suggestions which help students analyze the contrasting points of view presented. (JDH)

States that autobiographies such as Patricia Hampl's may be the best source of information for revealing the effects of the Cold War on the American psyche. Maintains that such works may help counteract the narrow and naive view of superpower relations youth gain from such movies as "Rocky" and "Rambo." (JDH)

Discusses U.S. studies at Russian universities. Includes the status of the field, difficulties in obtaining sources, communist interpretation of U.S. social problems resulting in methodological isolationism, and low quality of scholarship. Warns against a shift in attitude that idealizes the Western experience. Argues that changes in mentality…

The nuclear era has produced a horrifying possibility never before existent in human history: the world humanity and civilizations can be destroyed. It is incumbent upon the peoples of the world, and especially those of the United States and Soviet Union, to grasp the enormous and profound consequences of nuclear warfare. The emergence of Mikhail…

Designed to help students understand the challenges and opportunities facing relations between the United States and the former Soviet Union, this book is organized into four chapters. Chapter 1 explores the differing world views of the two superpowers and the major elements that make up those world views--including geography, economics, and…