Abstract
‘A global Cold War, 1950–8’ examines how the Cold War evolved into a more global and prolonged conflict. In Europe, both sides strengthened and solidified their positions, as exemplified by the formation of East and West Germany. In response to German rearmament and the increasingly powerful NATO, the Russians formalized their security ties in Eastern Europe with the creation of the Warsaw Pact. On the global scene, Russia and America became embroiled in a costly nuclear arms race, while battling for control over the third world. The result of these developments was a form of stalemate between the two sides, leading to much ineffectual diplomatic manoeuvring.
