Collapse of the Soviet Empire: A Preparation for the International Baccalaureate History Examination (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781463592004)

Dr. Juan R. C駸pedes is a veteran educator, lecturer, and author. Born in Havana, Cuba, he fled with his family from the Castro-communist dictatorship in 1960. For nearly three decades Dr. C駸pedes has shared his thoughts and research about history, politics, economics, and international relations with his audience. An advocate of individual freedom, human dignity and democratic government, he has traveled widely, studied, and reported extensively on major topics from the nature of totalitarian regimes, to the Cold War, to the causes of wars, and to the history of terrorism. Dr. C駸pedes began his academic career studying economics and labor relations at Florida International University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree. Subsequently, he obtained a Master of Science Degree in Gifted Education from Nova Southeastern University, and a Ph.D. in Education and Leadership from Barry University. He is currently a History Instructor for the International Baccalaureate program at Miami-Dade County Public Schools, an Examiner for the International Baccalaureate Organization, and Adjunct Professor at Barry University. He believes that a 21st century history education needs a comprehensive view where the learner becomes an analyst conscientious of social, economic, cultural, political and other human conditions. For Dr. C駸pedes, analysis does not imply revisionism with preconceived ideas of what "should have been," nor assumptions made from a modern-day perspective. His extensive and detailed work not only endows us with a historical documentation of human triumph and accomplishment, but also makes us aware of our failures, cruelty, and sometimes our inhumanity toward each other. Dr. C駸pedes believes that "A true understanding of history is the basis for appreciating the human condition and grappling with the moral issues facing a democratic society today."