Odd Arne Westad: the story on HearLore

A World Beyond Europe

Westad re-evaluated the standard narrative of the Cold War conflict. His interpretation emphasized the role of the struggle on a global scale rather than limiting it to Europe or North America. He underlined the ideological origins of the war and its long-term effects in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The term 'global Cold War' is often associated directly with his work. Many historians and social scientists have taken up this framework since then. One specific example appears in his book The Global Cold War: Third World Interventions and the Making of Our Times published by Cambridge University Press in 2006. That volume examined how third world interventions shaped the modern era. It won the 2006 Bancroft Prize for American history. The Michael Harrington Prize from the American Political Science Association also recognized that same book. Critics noted the shift away from a purely Eurocentric view of the twentieth century. Westad argued that the conflict was not just about two superpowers but involved nations all over the globe. This perspective changed how scholars understood the reach of Soviet-American rivalry during those decades.

When was Odd Arne Westad born and where did he begin his academic journey?

Odd Arne Westad was born on the 5th of January 1960 in Norway. He began his academic journey at the University of Oslo as an undergraduate student.

What is the significance of Odd Arne Westad's book The Global Cold War published by Cambridge University Press in 2006?

The book The Global Cold War: Third World Interventions and the Making of Our Times won the 2006 Bancroft Prize for American history and the Michael Harrington Prize from the American Political Science Association. It introduced the term global Cold War to emphasize the role of struggle on a global scale rather than limiting it to Europe or North America.

Which awards did Odd Arne Westad receive for Restless Empire China and the World since 1750 published by Basic Books in 2012?

Restless Empire: China and the World since 1750 received the Asia Society's Bernard Schwartz Book Award for 2013. This volume surveyed relations over the last 250 years and stressed the links between China and the outside world.

Where does Odd Arne Westad teach international affairs and global history as of 2019?

Odd Arne Westad teaches courses in global and international history across both the Yale History Department and the Jackson School of Global Affairs at Yale University. He moved there in 2019 after holding positions at Harvard University and the London School of Economics.

What editorial roles has Odd Arne Westad held regarding Cold War publications from 2009 until 2024?

Odd Arne Westad edited the University of North Carolina Press book series on the Cold War from 2009 until 2024. He also co-edited the three-volume Cambridge History of the Cold War with Melvyn Leffler in 2010 and served as the founding editor of the journal Cold War History.

Odd Arne Westad.

A World Beyond Europe

China And The Outside World

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