The Triumph of Improvisation: Gorbachev's Adaptability, Reagan's Engagement, and the End of the Cold War
SKU: 16015422908

The Triumph of Improvisation: Gorbachev's Adaptability, Reagan's Engagement, and the End of the Cold War

$16.03 $17.81
Save 10%
No.2 Bestseller on sylv1net.com >

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 7 - Jul 12

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

The Triumph of Improvisation: Gorbachev's Adaptability, Reagan's Engagement, and the End of the Cold WarIn The Triumph of Improvisation, James Graham Wilson takes a long view of the end of the Cold War, from the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979 to Operation Desert Storm in January 1991. Drawing on deep archival research and recently declassified papers, Wilson argues that adaptation, improvisation, and engagement by individuals in positions of power ended the specter of a nuclear holocaust. Amid ambivalence and uncertainty, Mikhail

In The Triumph of Improvisation, James Graham Wilson takes a long view of the end of the Cold War, from the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979 to Operation Desert Storm in January 1991. Drawing on deep archival research and recently declassified papers, Wilson argues that adaptation, improvisation, and engagement by individuals in positions of power ended the specter of a nuclear holocaust. Amid ambivalence and uncertainty, Mikhail Gorbachev, Ronald Reagan, George Shultz, and George H. W. Bush--and a host of other actors--engaged with adversaries and adapted to a rapidly changing international environment and information age in which global capitalism recovered as command economies failed.

Eschewing the notion of a coherent grand strategy to end the Cold War, Wilson paints a vivid portrait of how leaders made choices; some made poor choices while others reacted prudently, imaginatively, and courageously to events they did not foresee. A book about the burdens of responsibility, the obstacles of domestic politics, and the human qualities of leadership, The Triumph of Improvisation concludes with a chapter describing how George H. W. Bush oversaw the construction of a new configuration of power after the fall of the Berlin Wall, one that resolved the fundamental components of the Cold War on Washington's terms.

--Christopher Maynard "Journal of American History"

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Published: 01/15/2015
ISBN: 9780801456831
Pages: 280
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 10.30h x 4.80w x 0.60d
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 16015422908

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.8 ★★★★★
Based on 1447 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
L
Verified Purchase
Lydia Wormsley
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Great book!
Format: Paperback
Wonderful, helpful, insightful. Points out many of the key "sore spots" that can sour a marriage if left unmanaged, and how to address them. Very helpful, whether as a premarital counseling book, a book for the happily married couple, or even for the unhappily married couple willing to set their relationship right. Must read!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2026
M
Verified Purchase
MISTY C.
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
Great buy
Format: Paperback
Good read.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2026
J
Verified Purchase
Jenna H
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 4
Good discussion book to eliminate conflict between couples
Format: Kindle
Use this book as a checklist of things you should discuss with your partner - especially if you're considering or are in a long-term relationship. It explains each topic, why it's a likely source of conflict, how to prevent the conflicts, and includes questions for discussion between partners. Understanding and discussing these topics may not feel romantic and fun, and some of the conversations may be challenging for couples who aren't accustomed to such discussions. Do it anyway though because it will eliminate future conflicts before the conflicts even begin and make your relationship run smoother, last longer, and be a source of relaxation and contentment for you both. I'm speaking from experience here. If you are new to the study of this topic, this book will be extremely valuable for you. If you've already studied interpersonal relationships, preemptive conflict resolution, and collaborative negotiation tactics, it's still a great checklist of topics to discuss with your partner. I'm on this end of the spectrum, hence 4 of 5 stars because I'm familiar with the author's other work and this book didn't contain much new content. As a compact, all-in-one, relationship discussion guide though, it's great and worth reading and having on hand for future reference for new relationships or for when new conflicts crop up.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2018
J
Verified Purchase
Johanna
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Easy to read
Format: Paperback
Very interesting book!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2026
S
Verified Purchase
Susan
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
Great for Everyone!
Format: Paperback
This book is very useful to prepare people for marriage and I would recommend it for teens (even if they're not in a relationship), engaged couples, and even those already married since this provides realistic information about love and that not everything in a relationship is easy. It also helps people understand and attempt to loosely preset chores around the house and understand what to do with the extra money earned that isn't needed for bills. While I was already aware and have read about the 5 love languages, that is only briefly covered in one chapter while the rest provides other information so if you already read the 5 Love Languages book understand that there is a lot more involved in this book than that concept. The concept that I want to highlight in this book that I haven't read about before was the 5 Different Ways to Apologize. Increasingly, I think people need to be aware that what we consider to be a 'sincere apology' isn't necessarily the same as everyone else's though there are 5 of them that are fairly common. I was surprised when I found what I thought to be a sincere apology was listed word-for-word! This concept alone can be applied to anyone you socialize with and I especially recommend this piece if you are having apology problems between your friend, significant other, coworkers, and/or boss. Teens and those single will be able to learn a lot from this book, especially to realize that people, on average, are no longer "falling in love" within two years of the relationship and I think this would help them understand that relationships take a lot of work even when it's not convenient for you. Giving them an understanding of how to be flexible when apologizing and to know that people feel loved according to different love languages will make them more aware of how to improve their friendships and relationships in the future. Finally, there is reinforcement in being willing to do chores even if they're not popular and generally establishing healthy spending habits. I personally found this book to be thrilling and Gary Chapman successfully backs up some of his findings with Psychological research and definitions. I loved it so much that I read it in one sitting and now I'm getting my teen friends and budding couples into reading it. Awesome book; give it a try if you haven't already! (:
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2016

recommand products

2005-2007 Ford Five Hundred Direct-Fit Catalytic Converter 21-373 Magnaflow
205.00
2011-2013 Infiniti QX56 Direct-Fit Catalytic Converter 21-121 Magnaflow
285.00
Catalytic Converter for 1982-1989 Alfa Romeo Spider 2.0L Standard Grade Federal / EPA Compliant Direct-Fit Catalytic Con
248.00
2015-2017 Lexus NX200t Direct-Fit Catalytic Converter 21-114 Magnaflow
342.50
Catalytic Converter for 1995-1999 Chevrolet Camaro 3.8L MagnaFlow 23466
296.50