Towards the end of the Cold War, the last great struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union marked the end of détente, and escalated into the most dangerous phase of the conflict since the Cuban Missile Crisis. Aaron Donaghy examines the complex history of America's largest peacetime military buildup, which was in turn challenged by the largest peacetime peace movement. Focusing on the critical period between 1977 and 1985, Donaghy shows how domestic politics shaped dramatic foreign policy reversals by Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. He explains why the Cold War intensified so quickly and how - contrary to all expectations - US-Soviet relations were repaired. Drawing on recently declassified archival material, The Second Cold War traces how each administration evolved in response to crises and events at home and abroad. This compelling and controversial account challenges the accepted notion of how the end of the Cold War began.

'For those who think of the Cold War as one, continuous conflict from the end of WWII until the demise of the Soviet Union, The Second Cold War provides a valuable corrective. Deeply researched and engagingly written, this book makes a convincing case that changes in US-Soviet relations owe much to domestic political sources.'

Matthew Evangelista - President White Professor of History and Political Science, Cornell University

'Carter’s hawkish turn in 1979–1980 and Reagan’s shift toward negotiation in 1984 bookend a Second Cold War, as Donaghy argues in this rich and important study. Explaining these consequential shifts as responses above all to pressing political concerns at home, Donaghy recenters domestic politics at the heart of US foreign policymaking. A fresh, compelling analysis for both experts and novice students of the Cold War.'

Barbara Keys - Professor of US and International History, Durham University

'The Second Cold War is the most compelling and perceptive book I have read detailing the intimate connection between the making of American foreign policy and the influence of domestic politics during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Written in an engaging and fast-paced style, the book captures this important period in American history with understanding and nuance. An outstanding achievement!'

Thomas Schwartz - Professor of History, Vanderbilt University

‘Recommended.’

L. M. Lees Source: Choice Connect

‘This is a judicious study of American foreign policy on the eve of the ending of the Cold War. Well-researched and well-written, it adds important detail to existing knowledge, making particularly good use of the author’s wide-ranging trawl through the most relevant files in the archives of the Carter and Reagan Presidential Libraries.’

Archie Brown Source: Diplomacy & Statecraft

‘Donaghy’s book is an excellent addition to our understanding of both the Carter and Reagan presidencies.’

Andrew L. Johns Source: H-Diplo Roundtable XXIV-1

‘Richly researched and well-argued, The Second Cold War adds much to our understanding of the events that led to the conclusion of the Cold War and deserves a wide audience. It is clearly written and jargon-free, making it accessible to both graduate students and upper-division undergraduates …’

Henry Maar Source: H-Diplo Roundtable XXIV-1

‘Impeccably researched and engagingly written.’

Aileen Teague Source: H-Diplo Roundtable XXIV-1