Overview

This topic addresses East–West relations from 1945. It aims to promote an international perspective and understanding of the origins, course and effects of the Cold War—a conflict that dominated global affairs from the end of the Second World War to the early 1990s. It includes superpower rivalry and events in all areas affected by Cold War politics such as spheres of interest, wars (proxy), alliances and interference in developing countries.

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At KCCIS, the study of the Cold War is divided into five study units. Click on each link to find out more:

1. Origins of the Cold War: 1945-1949
2. Cold War in the West: 1953-1968
3. Cold War in Asia: 1949-1991
4. Détente and the Second Cold War: 1968-1985
5. End of the Cold War: 1985-1991

This unit is assessed in the Paper 2 exam which is 1h30m in duration. You will be asked to answer two essay questions, one on the Cold War and one from another Paper 2 topic you have studied.