“Was the cold war a product of the US’ defensive ‘containment’ of expansionism by communist Russia, or of American ambitions for global primacy?”

You should weight arguments and evidence in favour and against both possible answers to this question. The readings for topic 3 in particular are particularly relevant (both required and further readings…). You can also use some of the collection I have created on cold war origins–especially useful for the ‘orthodox’ view and for historical detail. (attached) Specific questions you will wish to address are: What evidence is used to support the argument of a global threat of Russian expansionism and communism? From what we know of American strategic thinking and action, what evidence is there in favour of the two contending interpretations implied in the question?