Jonathan Haslam Livres

The Spectre of War looks at a subject we thought we knew--the roots of the Second World War--and upends our assumptions with a masterful new interpretation. Looking beyond traditional explanations based on diplomatic failures or military might, Jonathan Haslam explores the neglected thread connecting them all: the fear of Communism prevalent across continents during the interwar period. Marshalling an array of archival sources, including records from the Communist International, Haslam transforms our understanding of the deep-seated origins of World War II, its conflicts, and its legacy

The book offers a critical analysis of three decades of diplomatic failures and miscommunications that have fueled mutual distrust, culminating in the devastating war in Ukraine. It delves into the historical context, exploring key moments and decisions that shaped the relationship between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the complexity of geopolitical dynamics and the consequences of missed opportunities for peace.

The phrase Cold War was coined by George Orwell in 1945 to describe the impact of the atomic bomb on world politics. Far more than merely a straightforward history of the Cold War, this book presents an account of politics and decision making at the highest levels of Soviet power.