Ice and Snow in the Cold War: Histories of Extreme Climatic Environments

The Cold War history has focused on statecraft and military power, but regions such as Alaska, the polar landscapes, and the cold areas of the Soviet periphery have received little attention. This volume makes a novel intervention in Cold War historiography, undermining the opposition of "East" and "West" and highlighting the direct implications of these environments for military strategy and natural resource management.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 330 pages
\n Publication date: 19 October 2018
\n Publisher: Berghahn Books
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The Cold War, a pivotal period in global history, has been predominantly studied through the lens of statecraft and military power, with Moscow and Washington taking center stage. However, regions such as Alaska, the polar landscapes, and the cold areas of the Soviet periphery have been largely overlooked. These environments, despite their symbolic significance, played a crucial role during the Cold War, impacting various aspects of military strategy and natural resource management. This volume seeks to rectify this imbalance by offering a fresh perspective on the Cold War through the lens of extremely cold environments. By adopting a global and transnational approach, the book challenges the traditional binary of "East" and "West" and sheds light on the complex interplay of political, economic, and environmental factors that shaped this era.

In Chapter 1, "The Frozen Frontier: Alaska and the Cold War," the author explores the unique geopolitical significance of Alaska during the Cold War. Situated at the intersection of North America, Europe, and Asia, Alaska was a valuable asset for both the United States and the Soviet Union. The chapter examines the military buildup in Alaska, including the construction of bases and the deployment of nuclear weapons, as well as the impact of the Cold War on the indigenous communities and the environment.

Chapter 2, "Polar Landscapes and the Cold War," delves into the role of the polar regions in shaping the Cold War. The author discusses the scientific expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic, the competition for resources such as oil and gas, and the military implications of these regions. The chapter also explores the cultural and political tensions that emerged between the Arctic nations and the superpowers.

Chapter 3, "The Cold War in the Soviet Periphery," examines the impact of the Cold War on the cold areas of the Soviet periphery, such as Siberia and the Far East. The chapter explores the economic development efforts, the political repression, and the environmental degradation caused by the Soviet government's policies. The chapter also highlights the resilience and resistance of the local communities in these regions.

Chapter 4, "Conclusion: The Cold War in Extremely Cold Environments," summarizes the key findings of the book and reflects on the enduring legacy of the Cold War. The author argues that the study of extremely cold environments offers a valuable lens for understanding the complexities of the Cold War, including the role of technology, geography, and human agency.

In conclusion, The Cold War in Extremely Cold Environments is a groundbreaking contribution to Cold War historiography. By focusing on the overlooked regions of Alaska, the polar landscapes, and the cold areas of the Soviet periphery, the book offers a fresh perspective on this pivotal period. Through a global and transnational approach, the book challenges the traditional binary of "East" and "West" and sheds light on the complex interplay of political, economic, and environmental factors that shaped the Cold War. This book will be of interest to scholars, students, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of this critical era in global history.

\n Weight: 592g\n
Dimension: 235 x 158 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781785339868\n \n