This course examines the history of armed conflict during the Cold War and the influence of ideology and technology on war in the second half of the 20th century. The course proceeds chronologically beginning with an introduction to the ideologies and alliances of the US and USSR, looking at the rise of non-aligned states and competing ideologies in the developing world, and first battles of the Cold War. It traces how the goals and objectives of the superpowers collided with local interests resulting in unexpected results and frustration. Cadets will study how technology became both a constraining and enabling factor in war during the period. They will be able to understand and appreciate the context of how warfare evolved during this period and how the legacies of Cold War conflicts shape the contemporary operating environment.
During the Cold War, American policies of containment and collective security collided with attempts at communist expansion, wars of national liberation that resulted in the end of European empires throughout much of Africa and Asia (a process often called "decolonization"), as well as postcolonial conflicts shaped by the Cold War superpower confrontation. Cadets will examine the strategic conditions and political considerations influencing the use of force and diplomacy during this period. They will gain an appreciation for the various actors' decisions and experiences, how the Cold War and decolonization influenced societies across the globe, and the legacies of these conflicts.
During the Cold War, American policies of containment and collective security collided with attempts at communist expansion, wars of national liberation that resulted in the end of European empires throughout much of Africa and Asia (a process often called "decolonization"), as well as postcolonial conflicts shaped by the Cold War superpower confrontation. Cadets will examine the strategic conditions and political considerations influencing the use of force and diplomacy during this period. They will gain an appreciation for the various actors' decisions and experiences, how the Cold War and decolonization influenced societies across the globe, and the legacies of these conflicts.
The nature of warfare has changed dramatically since 1945. During the Cold War, American policies of containment and collective security collided with attempts at communist expansion. The threat of nuclear war led to an era of limited war, including revolutionary war, wars of national liberation, and civil wars. Cadets will examine the strategic conditions and political considerations influencing the use of force in all types of warfare. They will gain an appreciation for the experiences of soldiers and leaders in combat while analyzing military strategy and exploring the connection between war and society.
The nature of warfare has changed dramatically since 1945. During the Cold War, American policies of containment and collective security collided with attempts at communist expansion. The threat of nuclear war led to an era of limited war, including revolutionary war, wars of national liberation, and civil wars. Cadets will examine the strategic conditions and political considerations influencing the use of force in all types of warfare. They will gain an appreciation for the experiences of soldiers and leaders in combat while analyzing military strategy and exploring the connection between war and society.
