In the mid-twentieth century, Cold War liberalism exerted a profound influence on the US state, US foreign policy, and liberal thought across the North Atlantic world. The essays in this volume examine the history of this important ideology from a variety of perspectives. Whereas most prior works that analyze Cold War liberalism have focused on small groupings of canonical intellectuals, this book explores how the ideology transformed politics, society, and culture writ large. From impacting US foreign policy in the Middle East, to influencing the ideological contours of industrial society, to shaping the urban landscape of Los Angeles, Cold War liberalism left an indelible mark on modern history. This collection also illuminates the degree to which Cold War liberalism continues to shape how intellectuals and policymakers understand and approach the world.

‘This cohesive and highly readable collection skillfully dissects Cold War liberalism and charts its morphing into post-Cold War neoliberalism. Bessner and Brenes have brought together a brilliant array of scholars, who collectively identify the myriad problems Cold War liberals created and the troubling legacy so evident today.’

David Milne - University of East Anglia

‘This sharp and coherent collection makes a valuable contribution to the historiography of Cold War liberalism. Through a series of thoughtful and well-crafted essays, it shows how liberal thinkers—deeply wary of mass politics—were often willing to compromise liberal principles in defense of liberal goals.’

Helena Rosenblatt - The Graduate Center, City University of New York