Political History: 1918–1994 (Book)

Sander’s work Political History: 1918–1994 offers a comprehensive analysis of international relations and political events during the most turbulent decades of the 20th century. The book examines global political developments from the end of the First World War to the early 1990s, when Cold War concluded. In his analysis, Sander examines the dynamics behind political events through an academic lens, focusing on the transformation of the international system and the strategic maneuvers of the great powers strategic.

Content of the Book

The Post-First World War Order and the League of Nations

The book begins by examining the new world order established after the end of the First World War. It provides a detailed analysis of the impact of the Treaty of Versailles on international politics, the redrawing of borders after war, and the founding of the League of Nations. Sander emphasizes the failure of the League of Nations to ensure global peace and identifies this failure as one of the key factors that paved the way for the Second World War.

The Second World War and Global Transformation

The book thoroughly examines the causes of the Second World War, critical dönüm turning points during the conflict, and its consequences. The rise of Hitler’s Germany, the conflicts between the Axis and Allied powers, and the global transformation created by the war are analyzed in this section. Sander notes that the war was not merely a military struggle but also an ideological conflict and an economic competition.

The Cold War Era: Ideological and Strategic Conflict

A substantial portion of the book is devoted to the Cold War period. The bipolar world order that emerged between USA and the Soviet Union, along with ideological struggles and global alliances, is analyzed in depth. The military alliances of NATO and the Warsaw Pact like, nuclear deterrence policies, and inter-block diplomacy are central themes of the book. Sander highlights the critical significance of events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the construction of the Berlin Wall, and the Vietnam War in shaping the trajectory of the Cold War.

The Third World and the Non-Aligned Movement

Sander also details the independence struggles of Third World countries during the Cold War and the emergence of the Non-Aligned Movement. The end of colonialism in Asia, Africa and Latin America, and the efforts of these nations to find their place in the international system are examined as key together sections of the book. The Non-Aligned Movement reflected these countries’ attempts to remain neutral within the bipolar world order.

The Post-Cold War Era: A New World Order

The book addresses the new world order that emerged with the end of the Cold War and the transformations it brought to international relations. The dissolution of the Soviet Union, democratic transitions in East Europe, and the United States’ assertion of global leadership are identified as defining features of this era. Sander stresses that the international system evolved toward a multipolar structure in this new period and that new threats emerged. Political History: 1918–1994 does not merely recount historical events but analyzes their impact on international system and the strategic moves of the major powers during this period.