The Motivation Behind Revisiting Cold War History

The author undertook the challenge of rewriting Cold War history due to the availability of newly released archival documentation from Russia and China that had previously been inaccessible. This wealth of information provides fresh perspectives and a more nuanced understanding of the era, allowing the author to reconstruct a comprehensive narrative filled with previously unknown details. This undertaking was both ambitious and timely, particularly as contemporary discussions of a 'new Cold War' emerged, making it crucial to explore historical parallels and lessons for today's policymakers. The author's access to thousands of documents has enabled a deeper dive into the motivations and thought processes of Soviet leaders, revealing personal dimensions of their statecraft.