The fourth and final lecture in a series on the Cold War at Darien Library will be presented from 3 to 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 19. The subject: How the Soviet sojourn into Afghanistan in 1979 helped to bring down the Soviet Union; and, helped to transform the Cold War.

Darien Library’s announcement:

With the Soviet collapse, America was left as the world’s sole Superpower. Afghanistan, though, unleashed militant Islamic Fundamentalism, helping to transform the Cold War.

This aspect will be discussed in relation to the Persian Gulf War; the rise of the Neocons; American invasion of Iraq; NATO in eastern Europe; China; the Arab Spring and the current situation in Ukraine.

About the presenter

Mark Albertson is the historical research editor at Army Aviation magazine and is a long-time member of the United States Naval Institute. In addition, Mark teaches history at Norwalk Community College.

His courses include: World War I and Iraq: Creation of Colonialism; A History, Vietnam; A History, World War I; The Turning Points of World War II; The Great Patriotic War: The Titanic Clash Between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union; and American Empire: Grand Republic to Corporate State.

In May 2005, Mark was presented with a General Assembly Citation by both houses of the state legislature in Hartford for his effort in commemorating the centennial of battleship Connecticut.