Written by two preeminent authors in the field, this book provides an accessible global narrative of the nuclear arms race since 1945 that focuses on the roles of key scientists, military chiefs, and political leaders. The first book of its kind to provide a global perspective of the arms race, this two-volume work connects episodes worldwide involving nuclear weapons in a comprehensive, narrative fashion. Beginning with a discussion of the scientific research of the 1930s and 1940s and the Hiroshima decision, the authors focus on five basic themes: political dimensions, technological developments, military and diplomatic strategies, and impact. The history of the international nuclear arms race is examined within the context of four historical eras: America's nuclear monopoly, America's nuclear superiority, superpower parity, and the post-Cold War era. Information about the historical development of the independent deterrence of Britain, France, and China, as well as the piecemeal deterrence of newcomers Israel, India, Pakistan, and North Korea is also included, as is coverage of the efforts aimed at the international control of nuclear weapons and the diplomatic architecture that underpins the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.

There’s a start and end to everything, war included. In this case, we’ll be learning about how the cold war ended and what the contribution of the nuclear arms race was. Learning about historical facts can be made exciting with learning tools that combine age-appropriate text, cool-to-the-eyes layout and vivid images. Grab a copy today!

Nuclear weapons have not been used in anger since the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. Yet even after the Cold War, the Bomb is still the greatest threat facing humankind. As President Bill Clinton's first secretary of defence, Les Aspin, put it: 'The Cold War is over, the Soviet Union is no more. But the post-Cold War world is decidedly not post-nuclear'. For all the efforts to reduce nuclear stockpiles, the Bomb is here to stay. This Very Short Introduction looks at the science of nuclear weapons and how they differ from conventional weapons. Tracing the story of the nuclear bomb, Joseph Siracusa chronicles the race to acquire the H-bomb, a thermonuclear weapon with revolutionary implications; and the history of early arms control, nuclear deterrence, and non-proliferation. He also tracks the development of nuclear weapons from the origins of the Cold War in 1945 to the end of Moscow-dominated Communism in 1991, and examines the promise and prospect of missile defence, including Ronald Reagan's 'Star Wars' and George W. Bush's National Missile Defence. This third edition includes a new chapter on the development of nuclear weapons and the policies they have generated since the end of the Cold War. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

This is the riveting secret history of the post-war nuclear arms race and the end of the Cold War, by the Pulitzer-winning author of 'The Making of the Atomic Bomb'.

Attention: Delve into the defining era of the 20th century with "The Cold War and the Arms Race: A Global History". Discover how ideology and technology shaped this tumultuous period in world history. Interest: From the Yalta Conference to the fall of the Soviet Union, this book provides a comprehensive account of the Cold War and the arms race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Explore the Cuban Missile Crisis, the proxy wars, the nuclear arms race, and the efforts to prevent a catastrophic nuclear war. Desire: Gain insights into the lessons learned from this period and their implications for today's global politics. Discover how multilateralism, diplomacy, and international cooperation can promote peace, stability, and security in the world. Action: Whether you are a student, a scholar, or simply interested in world history, "The Race for Power" is a must-read. Order your copy today and gain a deeper understanding of the defining era of the 20th century.

This new edition of a very current interdisciplinary book covers both technical material and social issues, to give readers of all backgrounds a sense of the overall implications of the arms race. Weapons are the primary focus of the book, with the history of their development and nuclear politics included in the introductory chapters. There is a thorough discussion of global nuclear exchange, which considers the consequences of an all-out nuclear war, the psychological impact of the threat and actual nuclear war; the atomic bombings of Japan; and the biological effects of radiation from nuclear weapons.

This comprehensive collection of carefully edited documents—speeches, treaties, statements, and articles—traces the rise and fall of the Cold War. The sources follow the Cold War from its roots in East–West tensions at the end of World War II to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Set in historical context by the editors’ concise introductions and followed by thoughtful discussion questions, the documents are arranged in chronological order, starting with the Yalta Conference and ending with Gorbachev’s resignation speech. Drawing on selections from a variety of countries and leaders involved in this prolonged global struggle, the editors treat the entire Cold War as an era in world history, not just U.S. history. Their judicious selection makes the great events of the time come alive through the words and phrases of those who were actively involved.