The Changing World Order has been developed especially for senior secondary students of History and is part of the Nelson Modern History series. Each book in the series is based on the understanding that History is an interpretive study of the past by which students also come to better appreciate the making of the modern world. Developing understandings of the past and present in senior History extends on the skills learnt in earlier years. Senior students will use historical skills, including research, evaluation, synthesis, analysis and communication. Students will rely on their knowledge of the historical concepts such as evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, significance, empathy, perspectives and contestability, to understand and interpret societies from the past. The activities and tasks have been written to ensure that students develop the skills and attributes required for senior History subjects. The Changing World Order explores the complex dynamic of the international balance of power following World War Two. The main focus of this student text is on the Cold War but extends to consider the implications of the changes in the international system after the end of this period of conflict and tension between the United States, the Soviet Union and their allies.