Relations between the United States and Russia have been at the center of Global Affairs for most of the past century, continuing to today. From 1946-1991, the struggle dubbed “The Cold War '' reached its apex, with thousands of nuclear tipped missiles and bombs on each side, a small percentage of which would have caused worldwide devastation. The course focuses on the political, technological, military, economic and cultural elements of this historic struggle, as well as the period’s key decision makers. It begins with a brief review of events before 1946, as well as those through present time.

Bio:
From his childhood in a Lithuanian refugee family, Linas J. Kojelis, rose to positions in Washington D.C. including Special Assistant the President (OPL/Defense and Foreign Policy) at the White House and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, as well as service in the U.S. Senate, Pentagon and U.S. Naval Reserve (Lieutenant/Naval Intelligence). Later, he founded and headed the U.S.- Baltic Foundation. His articles on Soviet affairs have been published in the Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times. Later, he headed Kojelis & Company consulting in Vilnius, Lithuania for five years. He received his B.A. in History (highest departmental honors) from U.C.L.A., and a M.P.A. (International Relations) from Princeton University. He lives with his wife in Simi Valley, and his interests include cinema, travel, art and historic preservation.

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people 50+ years of age, seeking intellectual stimulation through university level courses (without the pressure of grades) for the sake of learning and social engagement.