SKU: 16015422908

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

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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
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SKU: 16015422908

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SecurityDetail
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
Great fabric & plaids! Quality construction.
Fit Type: Slim Fit, Color: Light Blue/White, Plaid, Size: X-Small, Fit Type: Slim Fit, Color: Light Blue/White, Plaid, Size: X-Small
"Light Blue White Medium Plaid" has an overall pale aqua coloring, well represented by the product photos. it's even prettier in person, with a pale purple/pink stripe and other subtle touches. 5 STARS FOR: - Fabulous 100% Cotton fabric gets better with every wash. - Thin (but sturdy) fabric, comfortable working outside in hot, humid SW Florida. - OFFERING XS SLIM-FIT: Finding this XS in a slim fit Men's shirt was a game changer for me, a slim 5'7" woman with long arms, broad shoulders and slim hips. The AE Women's version of this shirt is boxy with laughably short sleeves, and is not offered in slim fit! - Quality construction throughout. Good attention to detail, eg, matching patterns at the pocket and front placket. - FABULOUS PLAIDS, many are unique and subtly complex. - ATTRACTIVE COLOR OPTIONS, lots of different Blues. I've also enjoyed the paler (some might consider more feminine) colors like lavender, pink and pale aqua. - UNBEATABLE PRICING, ESP ON SALE. At full price, these would be a good purchase. I put my favorites into the shopping cart, and wait to be notified of sale prices. I've purchased five shirts for under $10 each, by watching for sales. PAID: $7.67 on 1/24/2026 for XS in "Light Blue White Medium Plaid".
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Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2026
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David AL
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
Comfortable and well made.
A well-made, cotton shirt, suitable for casual wear. I like to wear this in the summer untucked with the sleeves rolled up over a colored t-shirt. I found the tail of the shirt to be a bit too long to wear untucked without looking odd, so I had it shortened; now it fits perfectly. It is made of cotton, so an iron is mandatory if you don’t want to look like you slept in it, and it will get some wrinkles as the day progresses, but that’s cotton’s nature. I liked it so much I purchased a second one.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2026
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BASHA
Boise, US
★★★★★ 4
Nice shirt, runs a tad small.
Fit Type: Slim Fit, Color: Light Blue/Indigo, Plaid, Size: X-Large
I guess that slim-fit is not for my hubby and this is a little too fitted across his pooch belly. But he loved the blue color plaid. Fits well elsewhere. If you're not a flat-stomach, dont bother with slim-fit I guess.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2025
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TJ Stewart
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 5
worth the money
Fit Type: Slim Fit, Color: Light Blue/White, Gingham, Size: Medium
perfect fit and beautiful after 3 washes.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2026
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Amazon Momma
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Great shirt, great price!
Fit Type: Slim Fit, Color: Navy, Tonal Floral Print, Size: Small
Bought the shirt at a steal of a price for my son. He loves it!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2026

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