1989: Democratic Revolutions at the Cold War's End: A Brief History with Documents

by Padraic Kenney

Using six case studies from aroumnd the world in the 1980's, 1989: Democratic Revolutions at the Cold War's End explores the common characteristics of global political change while highlighting the differing strategies and perspectives of the people who sought to free themselves from dictatorship.

Genres: History, World History, Nonfiction, School

188 pages, Paperback

First published December 8, 2009

Reviews

[Asia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made an excellent addition to my history class. It was clear and concise and offered many chances for discussion among my classmates over the comparisons, contrasts, and even the questions offered in the book. When learning about the 20th century and it's major changes this book is a must.

[Nikki Berg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I also read this book as supplemental reading for a history class. I am so glad I actually read the whole thing. I think it is especially relevant now as many countries are continuing to fight for Democracy around the world.

[Chris Jaffe · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good book, but it's the sort of book meant to be studied more than to be read. It's the sort of tome that works in a classroom setting where you read and study and discussion a bit at a time. Reading it all the way through (like I did) at once dilutes it.

Kenney looks at six places that underwent protests for democracy in the late 1980s: Poland, the Philippines, Chile, the Ukraine, South Africa and China. Each chapter on them has a handful of documents letting you trace the course of the movements in each place - what people were fighting for, how they hoped to get it, etc.

It's not a bad book, but this is the sort of thing that really only works if you can have discussions about it.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good review of the democratic revolutions at the end if the Cold War. There are a lot of documents involved, and most (but not all) are excellent additions to any student of the Cold War or Democracy.