Making of the Contemporary World – serie

This second edition has been updated to include an assessment of economic relations up to the COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses on three main threads that tie national economies together: flows of goods, of people and of finance.Since the end of the Second World War, the international economy transformed from a tightly controlled trading system to the financial globalization of the late 20th century. This book traces the organisation of international economic relations from the 1944 Bretton Woods conference through to the 2008 financial crisis and its aftermath. By outlining the development of economic policy of both national and international institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the European Union, this volume examines how the global system was constructed and explores the sources of inequality and instability. The changing political context is also emphasised, especially the Cold War and its end, the rise of China and other emerging market economies and the prospect of a retreat from globalisation in the wake of the 2008 crisis.Using non-technical language and providing clear examples and evidence, the book is an accessible introduction to international economic relations that will be useful for all students of modern world history since 1945.

In The International Economy Since 1945, Sidney Pollard describes the most important global developments in economics during the last half century. In this comprehensive history the author covers all geographical regions and considers the effects of the major countries on each other.The International Economy Since 1945 analyses institutional issues, such as monetary policy or the multinational company, as well as worldwide issues. The author considers the impact of policies on economic life and includes discussion of:* the threat to the environment caused by economic change* advances in technology as they relate to growth* fluctuations in standards of living in all parts of the world* policies pursued and how they influence growth* reactions of other nations to the plight of the Third World* the Communist and Far Eastern economies* the impact of World War II on the global economy.The International Economy Since 1945 debates the key issues of current global and national policy-making and the effects of greater economic integration on inflation and employment.

The Soviet Union in World Politics provides an introductory history of Soviet foreign policy and international relations from 1945 to the end of the Cold War and the break up of the USSR. The book summarizes historical and political controversies about Soviet foreign policy and brings the latest research to bear on these debates.The Soviet Union in World Politics interprets the latest evidence available from the Soviet archives and includes* summaries of the main events in Soviet Policy from 1917-1945* a framework for student discussion of relevant issues* guides to further reading and research* exploration of the role of ideology in the Cold War* discussion of Stalin's role in the formulation of policy.

China Under Communism examines how Marxism took root, flourished and developed within the context of an ancient Chinese civilization.Through analysis of China's history and traditional culture, the author explores the nature of Chinese communism and how it has diverged from the Soviet model. This book also provides insight into the changing perceptions Westerners have of the Chinese, and vice versa.Key features include:* assessment of controversial issues: The Great Leap Forward, the Cultural Revolution and Mao's record* coverage of gender and family, ethnicity, nationalism, and popular culture* long historical context.This timely evaluation details how China's political and economic policies have been inextricably linked, and assesses past failures and successes, as well as major problems for the future.

The Cold War dominated international relations for forty-five years. It shaped the foreign policies of the United States and the Soviet Union and deeply affected their societies, domestic situations and their government institutions. Hardly any part of the world escaped its influence.David Painter provides a compact and analytical study that examines the origins, course, and end of the Cold War. His overview is global in perspective, with an emphasis on the Third World as well as the contested regions of Asia and Central America, and a strong consideration of economic issues. He includes discussion of:the global distribution of powerthe arms racethe world economy.The Cold War gives a concise, original and interdisciplinary introduction to this international state of affairs, covering the years between 1945 and 1990.

Fifty years after the creation of the United Nations, there exists a vigorous debate as to its limitations and possibilities. In United Nations in the Contemporary World, David J. Whittaker examines how the UN works and assesses its position as a world organisation.The author explores the nature of the UN as a regime in contemporary international relations. He considers the changing terms of reference of the UN and includes discussion of:* UN organisational procedures and principles;* recent historical case studies, including studies on peacekeeping* the role of the UN in global urbanisation, arms control and in supplying aid for refugees* past and future internal reform, goals, achievementsWith an annotated bibliography and a helpful glossary United Nations in the Contemporary World provides an interdisciplinary history of the UN and debates the key issues for its future. David J Whittaker gives a cogent analysis of how the UN addresses today's world problems and how it can adapt for the future.

The Extreme Right in Western Europe is a concise introduction to one of the most persistent facets of late twentieth-century history, politics and society.The legacy of the Nazi era and the increasingly unacceptable face of extremism all militated against the success of far right-wing parties after World War Two. Nevertheless, contemporary problems and the solutions offered to ever more difficult questions such as immigration, unemployment, and law and order have enabled extremist, nationalist and populist movements to emerge.Focusing on a range of countries including France, Italy, Germany, the UK, Austria, Belgium and the Mediterranean region, Paul Hainsworth: explores the concept of right-wing extremism discusses the varying success of extreme right political parties in Western Europe examines the policies and perspectives of these parties analyses the profile of the extreme right’s electorate assesses the impact of right-wing extremism on aspects of politics in contemporary Western Europe. This accessible and up-to-date analysis of this enduring movement in Western Europe is a must for courses in history, politics and European studies.

Ranging from the Russian revolution of 1917 to the collapse of Eastern Europe in the 1980s this study examines Communist rule. By focusing primarily on the USSR and Eastern Europe Stephen White covers the major topics and issues affecting these countries, including:* communism as a doctrine* the evolution of Communist rule* the challenges to Soviet authority in Hungary and Yugoslavia* the emerging economic fragility of the 1960s* the complex process of collapse in the 1980s.Any student or scholar of European history will find this an essential addition to their reading list.

Conflict and Reconciliation in the Contemporary World gives a concise, original and multi-faceted introduction to the study of modern conflict situations. Using eight case- studies, from four continents: Yugoslavia, Israel, Northern Ireland, South Africa, El Salvador, Cambodia, Cyprus and Afghanistan, it includes discussion on:* threatened regional peace and security* cycles of internal discord, population displacement and violence* controversy over causes, progress and resolution* the value of external mediation, enforcement or intervention such as sanctions or "punishments"* means, timing and permanence of reconciliation.

Conflict and Reconciliation in the Contemporary World gives a concise, original and multi-faceted introduction to the study of modern conflict situations. Using eight case- studies, from four continents: Yugoslavia, Israel, Northern Ireland, South Africa, El Salvador, Cambodia, Cyprus and Afghanistan, it includes discussion on:* threatened regional peace and security* cycles of internal discord, population displacement and violence* controversy over causes, progress and resolution* the value of external mediation, enforcement or intervention such as sanctions or "punishments"* means, timing and permanence of reconciliation.

A concise introduction to the process which led to the division of Germany in 1949, and its unification in 1990, this book also explores the economic, social and cultural divisions between and east and west, which still exist in post-unification Germany.Dividing and Uniting Germany covers all important aspects of the subject including:the role of the allies in the post-war division of the countrythe integration of West and East Germany into their respective blocsthe problems of integrating east and west after 1990Germany's Nazi and socialist past.

A concise introduction to the process which led to the division of Germany in 1949, and its unification in 1990, this book also explores the economic, social and cultural divisions between and east and west, which still exist in post-unification Germany.Dividing and Uniting Germany covers all important aspects of the subject including:the role of the allies in the post-war division of the countrythe integration of West and East Germany into their respective blocsthe problems of integrating east and west after 1990Germany's Nazi and socialist past.

Pacific Asia has witnessed arguably the most dynamic economic growth and social transformation in the world since 1945. Inspired by the example of Japan, a number of high performing economies have emerged in the region. Pacific Asia explores this extraordinary pace of development and explains the various factors that lie behind it. It introduces the complex politics of development and sets Pacific Asia in its geographical and socio-cultural context. As well as Japan, the role model of development, Pacific Asia examines the experiences of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.

Pacific Asia has witnessed arguably the most dynamic economic growth and social transformation in the world since 1945. Inspired by the example of Japan, a number of high performing economies have emerged in the region. Pacific Asia explores this extraordinary pace of development and explains the various factors that lie behind it. It introduces the complex politics of development and sets Pacific Asia in its geographical and socio-cultural context. As well as Japan, the role model of development, Pacific Asia examines the experiences of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.

China Under Communism examines how Marxism took root, flourished and developed within the context of an ancient Chinese civilization.Through analysis of China's history and traditional culture, the author explores the nature of Chinese communism and how it has diverged from the Soviet model. This book also provides insight into the changing perceptions Westerners have of the Chinese, and vice versa.Key features include:* assessment of controversial issues: The Great Leap Forward, the Cultural Revolution and Mao's record* coverage of gender and family, ethnicity, nationalism, and popular culture* long historical context.This timely evaluation details how China's political and economic policies have been inextricably linked, and assesses past failures and successes, as well as major problems for the future.

The Soviet Union in World Politics provides an introductory history of Soviet foreign policy and international relations from 1945 to the end of the Cold War and the break up of the USSR. The book summarizes historical and political controversies about Soviet foreign policy and brings the latest research to bear on these debates.The Soviet Union in World Politics interprets the latest evidence available from the Soviet archives and includes* summaries of the main events in Soviet Policy from 1917-1945* a framework for student discussion of relevant issues* guides to further reading and research* exploration of the role of ideology in the Cold War* discussion of Stalin's role in the formulation of policy.

The Cold War dominated international relations for forty-five years. It shaped the foreign policies of the United States and the Soviet Union and deeply affected their societies, domestic situations and their government institutions. Hardly any part of the world escaped its influence.David Painter provides a compact and analytical study that examines the origins, course, and end of the Cold War. His overview is global in perspective, with an emphasis on the Third World as well as the contested regions of Asia and Central America, and a strong consideration of economic issues. He includes discussion of:the global distribution of powerthe arms racethe world economy.The Cold War gives a concise, original and interdisciplinary introduction to this international state of affairs, covering the years between 1945 and 1990.

An examination of the ceaseless controversies surrounding ideas of nation and nationalism, showing that they are very far from dead in twenty-first century Europe. Beginning by defining these terms and setting out theories and concepts clearly and concisely, this book analyses the impact of nationalism since the Second World War, covering themes including:* the relationship of nationalism to the Cold War* the re-emergence of demands by stateless nations* European integration and globalisation* immigration since the 1970s* the effects of nationalism on the former Soviet Union and Eastern block.

The advance of women through the political system has been one of the most significant developments of the second half of the twentieth century. For the first time we have seen women Prime Ministers and Presidents in Europe. Women and Political Power examines the extent of progress women have made in ten western European countries, and looks at the factors which have helped, or hindered, their greater involvement in the political process. This book not only explores fascinating contrasts between northern and southern European countries, it also reveals the strong similarities in all countries. It highlights, in particular, the continuing absence of women from leadership positions, and the concentration of women on committees dealing with social and welfare issues.

The advance of women through the political system has been one of the most significant developments of the second half of the twentieth century. For the first time we have seen women Prime Ministers and Presidents in Europe. Women and Political Power examines the extent of progress women have made in ten western European countries, and looks at the factors which have helped, or hindered, their greater involvement in the political process. This book not only explores fascinating contrasts between northern and southern European countries, it also reveals the strong similarities in all countries. It highlights, in particular, the continuing absence of women from leadership positions, and the concentration of women on committees dealing with social and welfare issues.

Ranging from the Russian revolution of 1917 to the collapse of Eastern Europe in the 1980s this study examines Communist rule. By focusing primarily on the USSR and Eastern Europe Stephen White covers the major topics and issues affecting these countries, including:* communism as a doctrine* the evolution of Communist rule* the challenges to Soviet authority in Hungary and Yugoslavia* the emerging economic fragility of the 1960s* the complex process of collapse in the 1980s.Any student or scholar of European history will find this an essential addition to their reading list.

The Uniting of Europe provides an accessible introduction to the history of European integration and places European unification within a wider political and economic context The book shows how institutional developments have been conditioned by wider international considerations. The Uniting of Europe considers:* the impact of the Cold War and the superpowers on Europe* Britain's decision to join the Community* the consequences of German reunification* the problem of nationalism in Eastern Europe* key personalities, parties, regimes and political systems.This Second edition brings the history of the European Union up to date to include the Amsterdam and Nice treaties, as well as other contemporary issues such as the impact of events in Yugoslavia, the changing relationship with the US and British membership of the single currency.

The Uniting of Europe provides an accessible introduction to the history of European integration and places European unification within a wider political and economic context The book shows how institutional developments have been conditioned by wider international considerations. The Uniting of Europe considers:* the impact of the Cold War and the superpowers on Europe* Britain's decision to join the Community* the consequences of German reunification* the problem of nationalism in Eastern Europe* key personalities, parties, regimes and political systems.This Second edition brings the history of the European Union up to date to include the Amsterdam and Nice treaties, as well as other contemporary issues such as the impact of events in Yugoslavia, the changing relationship with the US and British membership of the single currency.

Southern Africa surveys the contemporary history of the whole region encompassing economic, social, political, security, foreign policy, health, environmental and gender issues in one short succinct volume. Positioning the collapse of Portugal’s African Empire in the context of the region’s history since 1945, Farley asserts that this collapse set in motion a train of events that eventually led to the transition of power from minority to majority rule in Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa. He examines the experiences of these countries as well as the former High Commission territories of Swaziland, Botswana and Lesotho to analyse the kind of states that evolved and shows how Southern Africa’s present problems are the inevitable result of a long history of white rule. The book assesses the challenges faced by Southern Africa’s political leaders up to the present day and discusses how these problems might be successfully addressed in the future. With maps, a chronology and glossary, this is a valuable resource for all those interested in African history, politics and culture.

Southern Africa surveys the contemporary history of the whole region encompassing economic, social, political, security, foreign policy, health, environmental and gender issues in one short succinct volume. Positioning the collapse of Portugal’s African Empire in the context of the region’s history since 1945, Farley asserts that this collapse set in motion a train of events that eventually led to the transition of power from minority to majority rule in Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa. He examines the experiences of these countries as well as the former High Commission territories of Swaziland, Botswana and Lesotho to analyse the kind of states that evolved and shows how Southern Africa’s present problems are the inevitable result of a long history of white rule. The book assesses the challenges faced by Southern Africa’s political leaders up to the present day and discusses how these problems might be successfully addressed in the future. With maps, a chronology and glossary, this is a valuable resource for all those interested in African history, politics and culture.

Raymond F. Betts considers the 'process' of decolonization and the outcomes which have left a legacy of problems, drawing on numerous examples including Ghana, India, Rwanda and Hong Kong. He examines:the effects of the two World Wars on the colonial empirethe expectations and problems created by independencethe major demographic shifts accompanying the end of the empirethe cultural experiences, literary movements, and the search for ideology of the dying empire and the newly independent nations.With an annotated bibliography and a chronology of political decolonization, Decolonization gives a concise, original and multi-disciplinary introduction to this controversial theme and analyzes what the future holds beyond the empire.

Raymond F. Betts considers the 'process' of decolonization and the outcomes which have left a legacy of problems, drawing on numerous examples including Ghana, India, Rwanda and Hong Kong. He examines:the effects of the two World Wars on the colonial empirethe expectations and problems created by independencethe major demographic shifts accompanying the end of the empirethe cultural experiences, literary movements, and the search for ideology of the dying empire and the newly independent nations.With an annotated bibliography and a chronology of political decolonization, Decolonization gives a concise, original and multi-disciplinary introduction to this controversial theme and analyzes what the future holds beyond the empire.

Bringing the story up-to-date, this expanded new edition takes into account recent developments including Argentina's 2001 debt default and the 2002 presidential election in Brazil. Latin America provides an introduction to the economic and political history of the region in the last half century.Beginning with a brief history of Latin America since 1492, John Ward discusses the interactions between economic, political and social issues. The discussions includes:* the long-term background to the 1980s debt crisis* the effects of neo-liberal free market reforms* relations with the United States and the wider world* welfare provision in relation to wider economic issues* social trends as reflected by changes in the status of women* globalization and environmental debates* comparisons with the more dynamic East Asian economies.Also including biographies of the leading figures of the period and an expanded bibliography, it will provide central reading to Latin American history students, researchers and the interested general reader.

Bringing the story up-to-date, this expanded new edition takes into account recent developments including Argentina's 2001 debt default and the 2002 presidential election in Brazil. Latin America provides an introduction to the economic and political history of the region in the last half century.Beginning with a brief history of Latin America since 1492, John Ward discusses the interactions between economic, political and social issues. The discussions includes:* the long-term background to the 1980s debt crisis* the effects of neo-liberal free market reforms* relations with the United States and the wider world* welfare provision in relation to wider economic issues* social trends as reflected by changes in the status of women* globalization and environmental debates* comparisons with the more dynamic East Asian economies.Also including biographies of the leading figures of the period and an expanded bibliography, it will provide central reading to Latin American history students, researchers and the interested general reader.