The Cold War refers to the period of geopolitical tension and conflict between the Soviet Union and the United States, along with their respective allies, from approximately 1947 to 1991. It was characterized by a lack of direct military engagement between the two superpowers, instead manifesting through proxy wars, nuclear arms races, espionage, ideological competition, and political maneuvering. The Cold War also involved a struggle for influence and dominance globally, particularly in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Key events during this period included the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, and the construction and later dismantling of the Berlin Wall. The Cold War ended with the dissolution of the Soviet Union, leading to significant shifts in international relations and the global balance of power.
The late 20th century saw the unexpected collapse of the Soviet Union, significantly reshaping global geopolitics. Mikhail Gorbachev, through policies like glasnost and perestroika, intended to reform, not dissolve, the…