Rivalry, mistrust and accord
- The breakdown of the grand alliance and the emergence of superpower
rivalry in Europe and Asia (1943–1949): role of ideology; fear and aggression;
economic interests; a comparison of the roles of the US and the USSR - The US, USSR and China—superpower relations (1947–1979): containment;
peaceful co-existence; Sino-Soviet and Sino-US relations; detente - Confrontation and reconciliation; reasons for the end of the Cold War (1980–
1991): ideological challenges and dissent; economic problems; arms race
Leaders and nations
- The impact of two leaders, each chosen from a different region, on the course
and development of the Cold War. Stalin and Mao - The impact of Cold War tensions on two countries (excluding the USSR and
the US). China and Japan
Cold War crises
- Cold War crises case studies: detailed study of any two Cold War crises from
different regions: examination and comparison of the causes, impact and
significance of the two crises. Chinese Offshore Island Crises (1954/1958); North Korean invasion of South Korea (1950)