The 1990s: making the post-Cold War world

The 1990s were shaped by big themes. These included globalisation, the victory of capitalism over communism, transitions from communism to capitalism, Third Way ideology, peace, war, reconciliation, and the rebuilding of the world after the end of the Cold War. This course examines how these powerful forces shaped the last decade of the 20th century, and it considers how they helped to construct the post-Cold War world. 

Aims

This course aims to:
1. Introduce you to the main events of the 1990s relating to the Cold War;
2. Foster an understanding of the forces that shaped the world after the collapse of communism;
3. Examine how the post-Cold War world was constructed by superpowers and power blocks.

Content

The 1990s was a unique decade in the 20th century as it marked both the start of the post-Cold War era and the end of the century. The decade was shaped by new ideas, policies, and realities at the same time as it was by looking back and reflecting on a century of progress, suffering and warfare. 

This course examines the main ways in which the big global challenges shaped the international environment in the post-Cold War world. You will consider how and when the Cold War came to an end and the legacy it left behind, what globalisation was and the ways in which it shaped economics, politics, and societies, and how conflict and reconciliation defined domestic and international relations as the world moved out of one epoch and into another.

Presentation of the course

This course will be taught through a mixture of lectures and seminar discussions.

Class sessions

1. 1989:1991: The ‘end of History’: a session on the end of the Cold War and the move into a new decade.
2. After Communism and post-Soviet transitions: this class looks at the ways in which countries dealt with the move from communism to liberal democracy and capitalism.
3. Globalisation: a session on the growth of consumerism and global culture.
4. War, peace and reconciliation: this class considers conflicts and peace processes in the 1990s.
5. Superpowers and power blocks and shaping the post-Cold War world: this session considers international relations and foreign policies.

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes for this course are that students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the events that shaped the 1990s;
2. Critically assess the changes and continuities in global history in the 1990s;
3. Understand, explain, and evaluate the changes in the post-Cold War world.

Typical week: Monday to Friday

Courses run from Monday to Friday. For each week of study, you select a morning (Am) course and an afternoon (Pm) course. The maximum class size is 25 students. 

Courses are complemented by a series of daily plenary lectures, exploring new ideas in a wide range of disciplines. To add to the learning experience, we are also planning additional evening talks and events.

Evaluation and Academic Credit 

If you are seeking to enhance your own study experience, or earn academic credit from your Cambridge Summer Programme studies at your home institution, you can submit written work for assessment for one or more of your courses. 

Essay questions are set and assessed against the University of Cambridge standard by your Course Director, a list of essay questions can be found in the Course Materials. Essays are submitted two weeks after the end of each course, so those studying for multiple weeks need to plan their time accordingly. There is an evaluation fee of £75 per essay.

For more information about writing essays see Evaluation and Academic Credit.

Certificate of attendance

A certificate of attendance will be sent to you electronically after the programme.