The Developmental Course of Romantic Relationships

This book examines the impact of American perceptions of the military balance between the United States and the Soviet Union during the key period of 1976-1985. That decade witnessed the decline of the US-Soviet detente and the resurgence of superpower confrontation, often called the 'Second Cold War'. Among the factors contributing to this shift was the American view of the military balance -- whether the United States had been or was being overtaken by the Soviet Union in terms of military capability. Since then, the military balance has been viewed within the overall context of issues impacting superpower relations during this era. David Walsh examines the full range of issues - strategic and European-based forces, power-projection capabilities, and military spending - and their role in shaping perceptions, not just of the military balance but also in such key areas of international relations as arms control, trans-Atlantic diplomacy and Third World conflict. In doing so, he shows how the perceptions of the 1970s contributed to key policy decisions in the 1980s, which themselves played a significant role in bringing the Cold War to an end. The Military Balance in the Cold War will be of interest to advanced students of Cold War history, strategic studies, US foreign policy and international relations in general.

Table of Contents:
1. Introduction. 2. The History of Romantic Partnering. 3. Theories and Models of Romantic Partnering. 4. Romantic Relationship Initiation and Development. 5. Cohabitation. 6. The Stability of Romantic Relationships: Processes of Maintenance and Dissolution. 7. Violence in Romantic Partnerships. 8. Future Directions in Relationship Research.

About the Author :
Brian G. Ogolsky is Assistant Professor of Human and Community Development at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Sally A. Lloyd is Professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Miami University. Rodney M. Cate is Professor Emeritus of Family Studies and Human Development at the University of Arizona.

Review :
"Ogolsky, Lloyd, and Cate have provided researchers, practitioners, teachers, and students with a succinct and helpful text that provides important and relevant information on the developmental course of romantic relationships." - Brien K. Ashdown, PsycCRITIQUES "Romantic relationships are inherently complex, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Ogolsky, Lloyd, and Cate have done a masterful job of weaving together what we know about intimate relationships, and have done so in a very accessible, readable manner. Bravo!"- Christopher R. Agnew, Purdue University, USA "This well-written text captures the inherently interdisciplinary field of personal relationships to highlight theory and research on the development of romantic relationships. A wide lens on the topic is provided, including a historical perspective on romantic partnerships and a discussion of multiple types of romantic relationships. It will make an excellent text or supplementary text in a variety of courses." - Susan Sprecher, Illinois State University, USA "This classic text has been updated to 21st century and it has been done extremely well. The research and theory are up to date, no important issues are left out, and the writing is clear and precise." -Tom Holman, Brigham Young University, USA "The ...strengths of the book are its sole focus on courtship [and] its attention to same-sex relationships. ... The authors write very clearly. ...It would be appropriate for advanced undergraduates ...graduate students, and other scholars who want current information in the area of courtship. ... When I teach Interpersonal Relationships, I would seriously consider adopting this book." - Mark A. Fine, University of North Carolina - Greensboro, USA