Case Histories in International Politics

A description is provided in this text of 26 major developments in 20th century world politics. The case histories range from detailed descriptions of critical events (Cuban Missile Crisis, Pearl Harbour), to broader looks at more general topics (US-USSR-PRC rivalry, Apartheid, European integration), to studies of familiar problems from new perspectives (the Vietnam homefront, UN peacekeeping). Some developments are examined from more than one angle (Middle East Arms Race, Middle East diplomacy, OPEC). After reading these cases, students should be able to judge the validity of many competing theories of international relations. To help clarify the connection between history and theory, headnotes precede each case.