A New History of World War II

It presents a comprehensive and thoroughly researched account of World War II from a genuinely global perspective. Developed by the Institute of World History at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, this volume marks the eightieth anniversary of the Allied victory with a reassessment of the war's origins, key developments, and long-term impact on the international order. Drawing on a broad range of primary sources in Chinese, English, German, Japanese, French, and Russian, the book challenges conventional Western-focused narratives. It introduces a wider chronological framework by identifying the September 18th Incident in 1931 as the true starting point of the global anti-fascist war. Through detailed examination of major theatres of conflict, including the Eastern Front, Europe, the Pacific, the Atlantic, and North Africa and the Mediterranean, the book highlights the interconnected nature of military operations, diplomatic negotiations, and grassroots resistance movements. A particular focus is given to China's role in the global conflict. The book offers a detailed analysis of China's battlefield contributions, the formation of a national united front, and the country's evolving position within the wider Allied effort. It also explores international resistance movements and the diplomatic processes that shaped the postwar political and economic landscape. By providing a global narrative that incorporates often underrepresented perspectives, this book addresses an important gap in existing World War II literature. This volume will serve as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and general readers interested in global history, international relations, military studies, and East Asian affairs.