What were the main impacts of the Cold War on global politics?

What were the main impacts of the Cold War on global politics?

The Cold War significantly shaped global politics, leading to the division of the world into two ideological blocs: the capitalist West and the communist East. This resulted in numerous proxy wars, the arms race, and the establishment of military alliances like NATO and the Warsaw Pact.

How did the Cold War affect countries in the developing world?

Many developing countries became battlegrounds for Cold War ideologies, receiving support from either the US or the USSR. This often led to civil wars and political instability, as seen in Vietnam, Angola, and Afghanistan.

What role did nuclear weapons play during the Cold War?

Nuclear weapons were central to the Cold War, creating a balance of terror known as Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD). This deterrence strategy prevented direct conflict between superpowers but led to an arms race.

Can you explain the concept of 'detente'?

Detente was a period of eased tensions between the US and the USSR during the 1970s, marked by arms control agreements like the SALT treaties and increased diplomatic communication.

What were the cultural impacts of the Cold War?

Culturally, the Cold War influenced art, literature, and media, with themes of espionage, dystopia, and ideological conflict prevalent in films and books, reflecting societal fears and tensions.