Before and After the Fall: World Politics and the End of the Cold War

US President George H. W. Bush declared the end of the Cold War as the dawn of a new world order in 1991. Thirty years later, the world is still struggling to achieve this goal, with China on the rise, Russia resurgent, and populism roiling the Western world. This book examines the changes and continuities in world politics that emerged at the end of the Cold War and shaped the world we inhabit today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 375 pages
Publication date: 23 December 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

As the Cold War drew to a close in 1991, US President George H. W. Bush famously heralded its shocking demise as the dawn of a new world order that would prioritize peace and expand liberal democratic capitalism. Thirty years later, with China on the rise, Russia resurgent, and populism roiling the Western world, it is evident that Bush's declaration remains elusive. In this comprehensive book, esteemed scholars of international affairs shed light on the reasons behind the disillusionment of the early post-Cold War era and the formidable challenges that lie ahead. As the world commemorates the thirtieth anniversary of the collapse of the Soviet Union, this book brings together historians and political scientists to explore the profound changes and enduring continuities in world politics that emerged at the end of the Cold War and continue to shape the world we inhabit today.

The end of the Cold War marked a significant turning point in global politics, with the US emerging as the sole superpower and the Soviet Union collapsing. This period saw the emergence of new political and economic structures, as well as the proliferation of technology and communication. However, the early post-Cold War era was also marked by a sense of uncertainty and instability, as the world struggled to adapt to the new geopolitical landscape.

One of the key challenges facing the world in the early post-Cold War era was the rise of China. As the world's second-largest economy and a rapidly developing military power, China's rise has been met with concern by many countries, particularly in the West. Some have accused China of engaging in unfair trade practices, intellectual property theft, and military expansionism, while others have praised its economic success and technological innovation.

Another challenge facing the world in the early post-Cold War era was the resurgence of Russia. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia experienced a period of economic and political instability, but in recent years, it has been experiencing a resurgence. Russia has been investing heavily in its military and has been involved in conflicts in Ukraine and Syria, which have raised concerns about its intentions and the potential for further escalation.

Populism has also been a significant feature of the early post-Cold War era. Populism is a political movement that emphasizes the importance of the common people and often criticizes the establishment and elite. In the Western world, populism has been associated with the rise of right-wing political parties and movements, such as Donald Trump's presidency in the US and the Brexit vote in the UK. Populism has been criticized for its anti-immigrant and anti-establishment rhetoric, but it has also been praised for its focus on economic inequality and social justice.

Despite these challenges, the early post-Cold War era was also marked by significant progress in international relations. The end of the Cold War led to the establishment of the United Nations, which has played a key role in promoting peace and security around the world. The collapse of the Soviet Union also led to the reunification of Germany and the end of the Cold War in Europe, which has contributed to greater stability and prosperity in the region.

In conclusion, the early post-Cold War era was a period of significant change and uncertainty, marked by the rise of China, the resurgence of Russia, and the emergence of populism. While these challenges have posed significant risks to global stability, they have also been accompanied by significant progress in international relations and the establishment of new political and economic structures. As the world continues to navigate the complex and rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, it will be important to continue to prioritize peace, security, and economic prosperity.

Weight: 596g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108824255
Edition number: New ed