Is There a New Cold War?

Gr 9 Up—Fifteen essays examine rivalries and conflicts between the United States and other countries, including those of the former Soviet Union, and discuss their potential to spark a new Cold War. Most of the readings are excerpted from periodical articles or the published research of foreign-policy foundations or think tanks, with some published in the U.S. and others internationally. They carry copyright dates from 2006 to 2008. The majority of the pieces focus on the August 2008 conflict that erupted in the former Soviet state of Georgia and its implications for the relationship between Russia and the U.S., but there are also readings about NATO membership, deployment of an American missile defense shield in Europe, disputed claims on natural resources of the Arctic, and how tensions between America and Russia could affect America's relations with Iran, China, and emerging African economies. Differing opinions are well represented and are given equal weight. The book includes a list of agencies and foundations to contact and an extensive bibliography. However, since the conflict in Georgia is no longer prominently featured in this country's news and Kiesbye does not discuss President Obama's attempts to "reset" our relationship with Russia, it is unlikely that the title will draw a large audience. It should be considered for purchase only where there is a strong need for research materials about the post-Cold War period.—Mary Mueller, formerly at Rolla Junior High School, MO