"The crusade against Communism was even more imaginary than the specter of Communism"

This quote by A. J. P. Taylor is describing the Cold War age, when the United States and the Soviet Union were in a state of tension and hostility. Taylor is suggesting that the fear of Communism was overstated which the crusade versus it was much more imaginary. He is indicating that the threat of Communism was not as great as it was constructed to be, which the efforts to combat it were mainly unnecessary. Taylor is likewise suggesting that the Cold War was a dispute of ideologies rather than a real hazard to either side. He is indicating that the worry of Communism was utilized as a tool to validate certain actions and policies, which the crusade against it was largely a political ploy. Taylor's quote is a pointer that fear and paranoia can be utilized to manipulate people and form popular opinion.