The Cold War was a period after World War II from 1945 to 1991 when the United States and its allies clashed with the Soviet Union and its allies. It was marked by differences in ideology—capitalism versus communism. Both sides raced to develop nuclear weapons and compete for technological and military dominance. The Cold War was believed to have ended on 26 December 1991 with the disintegration of Soviet Union.
In 1992, US President George H. W. Bush confidently declared the Cold War over and America’s victory, envisioning a new global order. But today, tensions between the US and Russia over Ukraine are raising questions among experts. Recent events suggest the Cold War may not have truly ended but rather evolved into a new stage of competition.
Unresolved Cold War Issues
President Biden has warned Russia, led by President Vladimir Putin, that America was preparing for a possible military action in Ukraine. This development has drawn comparisons to Cold War conflicts. Russia’s dominant moves in Eastern Europe challenge Western security.
Historians such as Robert Daly suggest that today’s crisis arises from unresolved Cold War issues, worsened by decisions made since the Soviet Union collapsed. Russia, led by both Communist and post-Communist leaders has consistently aimed to be recognized as a major global power with influence in its region. Putin’s actions reflect this ambition and challenges the idea of peaceful global order that would have followed after the Cold War.
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, agrees to some extent that the Cold War ended but believes opportunities to construct a more stable global order were missed. Russia’s internal governance problems and hostile foreign policies have led to a period of “hot peace,” which is marked by intense competition among nations rather than ideological collision.
Francis Fukuyama, author of “The End of History and the Last Man,” points out that while Putin is seeking to restore elements of Soviet influence, the current geopolitical environment is different from the Cold War era. Today’s conflicts are more about traditional power struggles like political systems, advanced economies and substantial military capabilities rather than ideological clashes between capitalism and communism.
The situation in Ukraine is a key point of tension. Russia strongly opposes Ukraine joining NATO and insists that NATO reduce its military presence in Eastern Europe. This attitude of Russia has raised fears of potential military conflict which threatens not only Ukraine but its neighboring countries as well.
Looking forward, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warns that Russia’s willingness to challenge Western security principles with military force could put Europe in an ordinary situation. The risk of conflict extends beyond Ukraine to Belarus, where Russian military activities and political operations suggest possible future involvement.
Although the Cold War ended with the Soviet Union’s disintegration in 1991, it still influences the Global Politics. The hope for peace and cooperation after the Cold War has been replaced by increased feud among major powers and instability in various regions. The United States and its allies now face the challenges of dealing with a stronger Russia and negotiating through unresolved conflicts from the past in a complex international landscape.
