The New Cold War History and the Origins of the Cold War
Author(s)
Siracusa, Joseph M.
Abstract
In this post-Cold War era, it is essential that the history of the Cold War be completely reassessed and rewritten. This more accurate international history will be able to draw upon newly available Chinese, Soviet, and East European sources to prove that many of the fears of the Cold War era, including espionage and nuclear weapons, were not unfounded. It will also become evident that Stalin played an important role in early Cold War Soviet diplomacy. At the same time, however, new archival materials suggest that Stalin cannot be exclusively blamed for the Cold War. With regard to the People’s Republic of China’s position in Cold War politics, it is evident that the Korean War elevated Beijing’s standing with both Moscow and Washington. It is also evident that Mao’s role in the Cold War was far from insignificant.
