World History, Book 4, covers 1945 to the present, engaging students in the study of global developments after World War II. Part 1, The Cold War, focuses on the sparring of two superpowers — The United States and the Soviet Union — with lessons like Superpower Chess. Part 2, Developing and Developed Nations: A Study in Contrasts, examines the economic polarization that occurred in Africa and Latin America as superpowers vied for political influence. Lessons include The Four Worlds and Mohandas Gandhi and Nonviolent Resistance. Part 3, Cold War Aftermath: Emerging Democracy and Hotbeds of Conflict, considers shifting perceptions as new nations formed after the collapse of the Soviet Union and deep-seated political conflicts jeopardized world peace. Lessons include Nationality Questions in the Former Soviet Union Republics and Israel: Perspectives in Conflict. Part 4, Conflict and Cooperation, contrasts the warfare and suffering of the 1990s with the ability to work toward common goals.

Lessons include Genocide in Rwanda and The International Space Station. Part 5, Issues for the Global Village, looks at topics affecting the quality of all people’s lives. Lessons include Terrorism and The AIDS Pandemic.