This book sets out to cover the issues contributing to a global history in the post-war world since 1945 including political, social, technological and cultural changes. Reynolds discusses the march of capitalism and the erosion of the state, the cold war, East and West Germany, Japan, China, Korea, India, Africa, Vietnam, Israel, Islam, genetics, nuclear power etc. A fairly good summary of the time period and a useful reference book for those studying this topic. Included are maps, further reading, notes and an index. ( )