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Sunday Reading - An explainer on the Cold War

 


Global Tensions

 

 

An explainer on the Cold War

The Cold War was a global competition (watch animated map) for power and influence between the United States, a capitalist democracy, and the Soviet Union, a state-controlled socialist system, from 1945 to 1991, sparked by tensions over how to shape the post-World War II order.

The conflict was defined by ideological rivalry, massive military spending, and a nuclear arms race that brought the world to the brink of thermonuclear war. Though the two superpowers never engaged in direct combat—hence, the war remained “cold”—they waged proxy wars on nearly every continent.

The Cold War concluded in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union after losing control of much of its territory in the preceding years. However, its legacy is still visible today in renewed great-power rivalries, ongoing nuclear tensions, and the resurgence of strongly centralized governance.

... Read our full explainer on the conflict here.

Also, check out ... 

> Watch Churchill's 1946 speech recognizing an "Iron Curtain" across Europe. (More)

> ... and watch Reagan demand that Gorbachev tear down the Berlin Wall. (More)

> A 1983 NATO simulation provoked the Soviets to arm for war. (More)

 

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