An engaging range of period texts and theme books for AS and A Level history. The period 1919 to 1989 witnessed major changes to international relations. These included the emergence of the USA as the world's most powerful state, and the impact of Communist Russia on European and world diplomacy. In his lively account of the period, Allan Todd focuses on the problems caused by the First World War and the resulting peace treaties, as well as on the factors leading to the Second World War. He also examines developments in the Soviet Union, under Stalin, and its importance in inter-war diplomacy. The origins and the course of the Cold War are explained, with particular emphasis on Europe, Asia and the Americas. In addition, the text provides summaries of the main historical debates surrounding these issues. Democracies and dictatorships is illustrated and contains a range of primary sources.