The most comprehensive and up-to-date student reference on the Cold War, offering expert coverage of all aspects of the conflict in a richly designed format, fully illustrated to give students a vivid sense of life in all countries affected by the war. * 1,099 entries covering all facets of the Cold War from its origins to its aftermath, including political, diplomatic, military, social, and economic topics, as well as the lives of everyday citizens caught up in the conflict in countries around the world * Over 200 internationally recognized contributors from around the world, many writing about events and issues from the perspective of their country of origin * Over 175 original documents (each with its own introduction)-a collection that draws heavily on recently opened files from archives in China, Eastern Europe, and the former Soviet Union, and includes documents that reflect social and cultural life during the Cold War as well as political, military, and diplomatic issues * 700 images of important persons, places, events, and artifacts, plus 50 carefully crafted tables and graphs that make important data clear and meaningful * 47 maps detailing major military operations, from the Berlin Airlift to the battlefields of Vietnam * A special resource area helps early researchers develop sound information literacy skills with a how to use section on using primary sources, reading maps, and how to use tables and charts