Includes bibliographical references (p. [155]-161) and index.

"The conflict between Russia and America shaped the world for over four decades. Both were universalist powers--they wanted every country in the world to copy their model of government and economy. They could not rest until the other side had been vanquished, and until the mid-1980s this included the prospect of nuclear war. Martin McCauley looks at the epic struggle between the two superpowers that put everyone in danger. The book gives a succinct summary of the main turning points in the conflict; looks at how the whole world was sucked into the Cold War; shows how the arms race eventually bankrupted Russia; and discusses whether or not America and Russia have learnt anything from this confrontation."--BOOK JACKET.