The World of the Cold War

Always sensible... Make(s) comprehensible a Russian perspective on a key question of 20th-century history that we generally see only from the American side

Sheila Fitzpatrick, London Review of Books

Among the scholars writing about the history of Soviet/ Russian foreign policy, Vladislav Zubok is one of the most distinguished. We are fortunate that he has now turned his attention to writing an overall account of the Cold War. This provocative, comprehensive, and insightful analysis not only incorporates the latest scholarship but is also remarkably lucid and accessible. Students will be enlightened; experts will be challenged to reassess their thinking. This volume is a major contribution

Melvyn P. Leffler

Compelling and timely

Observer

From Moscow’s liberal intelligentsia, distinguished for decades in British and American academia, Vladislav Zubok brings relevant experience and perceptive scholarship to this finely judged retelling of the Cold War. It’s a pleasure to read

Rodric Braithwaite

Immensely scholarly, and its sweep is considerable... Zubok has complete command of his narrative, based on a deep knowledge of his subject

Telegraph

Monumental and still highly readable... by smartly knitting together the past with the present, Zubok’s book brings a prescient and fresh perspective

Financial Times

The Cold War is not just history – it also reflects many aspects of our current turbulent world. Vladislav Zubok’s outstanding new account of that period not only shows deep historical scholarship but also his ability to see the era from multiple angles, not just the victorious west, but the view of the Soviets, the newly emergent postcolonial world, and figures ranging from diplomats to economists to technologists. A short history that says a very great deal about a crucial period

Rana Mitter

Vladislav Zubok’s accomplishments eminently qualify him to write this epic and exciting reconsideration of Cold War history. Along with new information from Soviet archives is a compelling interpretation of how capitalism itself, not just geopolitics, was changed by the Cold War - with consequential ramifications for our time

Samuel Moyn

Why are there so few gripping histories of the Cold War? Many standard accounts are sensationally boring. This book is much better: brisk, spiky and unafraid to make provocative judgements... Zubok makes you think

Dominic Sandbrook, Sunday Times

With conviction and unique insight, Zubok argues that global decolonization, inherent Soviet weakness, and political contingencies led to the end of the Cold War. A masterful study, which should be read by everyone interested in contemporary international history

Odd Arne Westad