The 'Cold War' was a period of specific international tension during which, although no anticipated 'Third World War' took place, saw many wars, conflicts and armed disputes around the world, often but not always sponsored, overtly or covertly, by the rival poles of Communist Russia and capitalist America. This extensive and authoritative volume presents all the major wars of the period: Korea, Vietnam, the Falklands, the Gulf; the uprisings and revolts in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, during the 'retreat from empire'; and even the skirmishes, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, in a form that is suitable both for reading and for reference. Indeed, it is a book that meets a major need for historians, students and professionals working in the field of international current affairs and modern history.