"The Cold War dominated international life from the end of the Second World War to the fall of the Berlin Wall. But how did the dispute begin, and why did it move from its origins in post-war Europe to encompass virtually every corner of the globe? Robert J. McMahon considers these questions and more, providing a truly international history of the Cold War and examining its enduring legacy. He draws on the most recent scholarship and documents to offer a full analysis of all aspects of the Cold War, including the Vietnam War, the changing global politics since the 1970s, and the sudden and unexpected ending of the conflict."--Front cover flap.

First edition published 2003.

Preface -- List of illustrations -- List of maps -- Chapter 1. The second World War and the destruction of the old order -- Chapter 2. The origins of the Cold War in Europe, 1945-50 -- Chapter 3. Towards 'Hot War' in Asia, 1945-50 -- Chapter 4. A global Cold War, 1950-8 -- Chapter 5. From confrontation to détente, 1958-68 -- Chapter 6. Cold wars at home -- Chapter 7. The rise and fall of superpower détente, 1968-79 -- Chapter 8. The final phase, 1980-90 -- Further reading -- Index.