The Cold War

Martin Clemis, Command and General Staff College

This course examines the causes, conduct, and legacies of the global Cold War. It explores the half-century of struggle between communism and the West, including its social, cultural, political, economic, military, diplomatic, ideological, and environmental dimensions. Topics and perspectives include the origins of the Cold War; Soviet and American foreign policy and military strategy; the atomic arms race, brinksmanship and detente; spheres of influence and strategic alliances; postcolonialism; modernization theory and practice; insurgency and counterinsurgency; proxy wars in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East; superpower interventions in the developing world; and the conflict’s impact on society and politics in the United States and abroad.