Books matching: cold war impact
19 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Global Cold War: Third World Interventions and the Making of Our Times' by Odd Arne Westad explores the impact of the Cold War on the Third World, focusing on interventions and confrontations that took place in countries like Korea, Cuba, Chile, and Vietnam. Westad argues that the superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, played a significant role in shaping the ideologies and movements in these regions, ultimately leading to devastating consequences for the people and countries involved. Through detailed historical analysis, Westad sheds light on how the Cold War rivalry between the superpowers influenced global politics and the development of the Third World.
The writing style of the book is described as compelling, controversial, and well-documented, offering a different perspective on the Cold War that challenges the traditional Eurocentric view. Westad's narrative delves into the complexities of Cold War dynamics in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, highlighting the lasting legacy of interventionism and ideological conflicts that continue to impact international affairs today. is praised for its detailed analysis of U.S. and Soviet policies in the Third World, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the historical events that unfolded during the Cold War era.
"Black Holes & Time Warps: Einstein's Outrageous Legacy" by Kip S. Thorne is a fascinating and accessible exploration of black holes and quantum gravity, providing insights into the scientific path from Einstein's theories to black holes. The author explains complex concepts such as relativity, warped space-time, gravitation, and the formation of black holes in an engaging and informative manner. Additionally, the book delves into the intriguing possibilities of stable wormholes and time machines, offering readers a glimpse into the world of high-energy physics and the individuals involved in advancing our understanding of these cosmic phenomena.
The book also touches upon the history of modern General Relativity, offering personal glimpses into the research efforts of prominent physicists and highlighting the lineage of gravitational physics from John Wheeler to Kip S. Thorne. Through anecdotes and explanations, the author provides readers with a comprehensive overview of black hole dynamics, gravitational waves, and theoretical concepts like wormholes, encouraging a sense of wonder and curiosity about the mysteries of the universe.
Fritz Zwicky among a gathering of scientists at Caltech in 1931. Also in the photograph are Richard Tolman (who will be an important figure later in this chapter), Robert Millikan, and Albert Einstein...- #3
Save:'Eisenhower in War and Peace' by Jean Edward Smith is a detailed biography that explores the life of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, focusing on his military career during World War II and his presidency. The book delves into Eisenhower's leadership skills, political acumen, and personal charisma, shedding light on his successes and failures as a general and a president. Written in an engaging and informative style, the biography provides readers with a comprehensive view of Eisenhower's life, from his childhood struggles to his rise to power and his lasting impact on American history. Through interviews, letters, and diaries, the author paints a vivid portrait of a complex and revered leader, offering insights into Eisenhower's military strategies, political decisions, and personal relationships.
Dwight Eisenhower remains an enigma. For the majority of Americans he is a benign fatherly figure looming indistinctly out of the mists of the past—a high-ranking general who directed the Allied armie... "The Impossible State: North Korea, Past and Future" by Victor Cha is an in-depth analysis of North Korea, exploring its past and potential future. Cha draws on his personal experiences visiting North Korea and negotiating with its officials to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the authoritarian regime. The book delves into the dysfunctional nature of North Korea, its survival tactics of brutalizing citizens and bullying neighbors, and the implications of its nuclear ambitions on global politics.
WE PASSED OVER BARREN AND GRAY FIELDS AS THE GULFSTREAM VI TOUCHED DOWN on the empty runway of the airport. As the plane taxied on the tarmac, there was no flight traffic to be seen. No baggage carts ...John Perkins' 'The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man' delves into the author's experiences as an economic hitman, pressuring presidents of poor countries into signing exorbitant contracts with major US construction companies, ultimately leading to financial and environmental exploitation. The book explores the aftermath of World War II, detailing how the United States and the Soviet Union emerged as global powers, initiating the Cold War and the birth of economic hitmen. Through specific examples like Ecuador and Panama, Perkins sheds light on the detrimental impact of capitalism and the manipulation of developing nations for economic gain.
I’m haunted every day by what I did as an economic hit man (EHM). I’m haunted by the lies I told back then about the World Bank. I’m haunted by the ways in which that bank, its sister organizations, a...- #6
Save:Vincent Bevins' book, 'The Jakarta Method', delves into the dark history of Washington's anticommunist crusade and the mass murder program that had a profound impact on the world. Through extensive research and compelling storytelling, Bevins uncovers the brutal realities of imperialism, CIA interventions, and the violent suppression of socialist movements in various third world countries. The book sheds light on the ruthless tactics employed by the U.S. government to further its interests, the devastating consequences of these actions on local populations, and the lasting effects that still resonate today.
THE UNITED STATES, A WESTERN European settler colony in North America, emerged from World War II as by far the most powerful state on Earth. This was a surprise to most Americans, and to most of the w... - #7
Save:John Lewis Gaddis' book 'The Cold War: A New History' is a comprehensive and accessible overview of the Cold War period, spanning from the end of World War II to the collapse of the Soviet Union. The author delves into the key personalities, politics, and social upheavals of the time, using extensive contemporary voices to bring the era to life. Gaddis explores the global impact of the Cold War, shedding light on major events and contributions from various players on the world stage.
Gaddis skillfully navigates through the complexities of the Cold War, offering a high-level overview while incorporating newly declassified documents to provide fresh insights into the historical narrative. The book presents a balanced perspective on the era, highlighting both the successes and shortcomings of the Cold War in preventing total war. While some readers found the book biased towards the US perspective, many appreciated the author's thorough research, engaging writing style, and uplifting vision of the Cold War's ultimate success in averting global conflict.
I guess we didn’t know what to expect from the Russians, but when you looked at them and examined them, you couldn’t tell whether, you know? If you put an American uniform on them, they could have bee... - #8
Save:"Rocket Men" by Craig Nelson provides a detailed account of the space race and NASA leading up to the Apollo 11 mission, with a focus on the scientists, engineers, and astronauts who made it happen. The narrative covers the early years post WWII, the political response to Soviet successes, and the hour-by-hour description of the Apollo 11 trip. delves into the lives of Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins after the mission, showcasing the determination and personal nature of those involved in the historic event.
On May 20, 1969, at 12:30 p.m. EST, a 363-foot, thirty-story-high black-and-white Saturn V rocket known as AS-506 was painstakingly trundled five miles across the raging heat and searing green of cent... 'Skunk Works: A Personal Memoir of My Years at Lockheed' by Ben R. Rich is a detailed and exciting memoir that provides insight into the revolutionary aeronautical technology developed by Lockheed's Skunk Works division. It covers the history of advanced aircraft development, focusing on groundbreaking projects such as the U-2 and the SR-71 Blackbird. Rich's firsthand account offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and successes of creating these iconic aircraft during the Cold War era.
Rich's writing style is engaging and informative, offering readers a glimpse into the secretive world of aeronautical development. not only delves into the technical aspects of aircraft production but also explores the innovative leadership and adaptability that were key to the success of Skunk Works. Through detailed accounts and personal anecdotes, Rich paints a vivid picture of the culture and teamwork that fueled the creation of some of the most incredible solutions in aerospace engineering.
It’s August 1979 on the scorching Nevada desert, where Marines armed with ground-to-air Hawk missiles are trying to score a “kill” against my new airplane, an experimental prototype code-named Have Bl...- #10
Save:'Russians Among Us: Sleeper Cells, Ghost Stories, and the Hunt for Putin's Spies' by Gordon Corera delves into the intricate world of Russian espionage, focusing on sleeper cells and deep cover spies embedded in Western democracies. Through detailed research and interviews, the author sheds light on the lives of Russian families involved in espionage, drawing parallels to the TV show 'The Americans'. The narrative explores the evolution of spy networks post-9/11, the relentless pursuit of intelligence by the Russians, and the underestimation of their activities by Western governments.
Corera's writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and informative, offering readers a glimpse into the dark world of espionage and cyber intelligence operations. provides a timely and easy-to-read account of Russian spy activities, uncovering the motivations behind the agents, the consequences for their families, and the global impact of their clandestine operations.
