This research project aims to examine the era generally known as the "Cold War" from a distinctly global perspective, drawing upon historical insights gained over the three decades since its conclusion. It brings together historians from around the world to study regions that have previously received insufficient attention in the context of the Cold War. Conventional understandings of the Cold War have been shaped by U.S.-centric narratives—rooted in the experiences of the United States and Western Europe—that center on the conflict between the U.S. and its allies and the Soviet bloc. By engaging historians from regions previously excluded or marginalized by this traditional framework—such as Japan, Vietnam, and Angola—this project prompts a critical reexamination of dominant Cold War historiography. In addition to building a comprehensive database of existing scholarship, the project will gather multilingual primary sources by utilizing digital archives across various regions. By leveraging digital humanities tools, including large language models (LLMs), it seeks to create a shared global foundation for research, ultimately striving to construct a new global paradigm for understanding the history of the second half of the twentieth century.

Summary slide of the research overview. (Click to view larger image)