After World War II, the escalating tensions of the Cold War shaped the international system. Fearing the Worst explains how the Korean War fundamentally changed postwar competition between the United States and the Soviet Union into a militarized confrontation that would last decades.Samuel F. Wells Jr. examines how military and political events interacted to escalate the conflict. Decisions made by the Truman administration in the first six months of the Korean War drove both superpowers to intensify their defense buildup. American leaders feared the worst-case scenario―that Stalin was prepared to start World War III―and raced to build up strategic arms, resulting in a struggle they did not seek out or intend. Their decisions stemmed from incomplete interpretations of Soviet and Chinese goals, especially the belief that China was a Kremlin puppet. Yet Stalin, Mao, and Kim Il-sung all had their own agendas, about which the United States lacked reliable intelligence. Drawing on newly available documents and memoirs―including previously restricted archives in Russia, China, and North Korea―Wells analyzes the key decision points that changed the course of the war. He also provides vivid profiles of the central actors as well as important but lesser known figures. Bringing together studies of military policy and diplomacy with the roles of technology, intelligence, and domestic politics in each of the principal nations, Fearing the Worst offers a new account of the Korean War and its lasting legacy.

Publisher: Columbia University Press Publication date: November 26, 2019 Language: English Print length: 600 pages Binding: Hardcover Dimensions: 6.25 x 1.5 x 9 inches Item weight: 2.15 pounds Best Sellers Rank (Amazon): 1827524

Return Policy

1. Return Window
- Eligible for return within 30 days of delivery.

224. Return Conditions
- The book must be brand new (unused, unmarked, and undamaged).

Important Notes:
If the returned book is damaged or missing components, the refund may be denied. If the book arrives damaged (e.g., due to shipping issues), a full refund will be issued. For returns due to non-quality issues (e.g., buyer’s change of mind), the customer must cover return shipping costs.