The Cold War is a vast and complex topic in recent international history. The author of this title has delineated the role of the United States from the global conflict, in order to focus upon the motives, course and consequences of American policy. Concepts such as containment, roll back and massive retaliation are deconstructed in a clear and concise manner. International relations are examined as responses to US actions, enabling students to obtain a coherent overview of America's involvement in the world policies of the period and providing them with answers to complex questions which require substantial factual knowledge.