Between 1945 and 1965, over fifty nations gained independence from colonial rule, a process that intertwined with the Cold War and influenced US-Soviet relations. This study explores the connections between decolonization and the Cold War, shaping the post–World War II global order. Utilizing new scholarship, it provides a chronological overview from World War I to the Soviet collapse, emphasizing key developments as decolonization progressed alongside Cold War tensions. Through six case studies—India, Egypt, the Congo, Vietnam, Angola, and Iran—historian Jessica M. Chapman examines the evolving policies of the Soviet Union, the United States, China, and Cuba, alongside the roles of modernization and the United Nations. The influence of regional actors like Israel and South Africa is also highlighted, as well as significant shifts in the international system post-Vietnam War. Each case study focuses on a geopolitical turning point, illustrating how decolonization and the Cold War were interlinked processes, with local, national, and regional dynamics impacting superpower competition. Chapman presents a nuanced view of international relations, showcasing the distinct visions for independence and success held by local communist and democratic movements compared to their superpower counterparts.
