During the Cold War, the United States faced a multitude of challenges and threats that shaped its foreign policy and national security strategy. One of the main concerns for the US during this period was the constant fear of nuclear war with the Soviet Union, leading to a policy of deterrence through the possession of nuclear weapons. This fear of nuclear conflict drove the US to build alliances, such as NATO, to counter the perceived threat from the Soviet Union.
Sixty percent of the experts who participated in our annual Global Foresight survey think the world will be worse off a decade hence. This highlights the ongoing uncertainty and instability that characterized the Cold War era, as the US and its allies sought to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape.
The strength of Ukrainian resistance, which has denied Russia a resounding victory, has worked against Ukraine: Europe and the United States have taken their... This demonstrates the importance of alliances and partnerships in countering aggression from rival powers, such as Russia during the Cold War.
A plurality of Americans—and a majority of Republicans—also say that US leaders are not paying enough attention to US-China competition. The US's efforts to build alliances and counter the rise of China were a key aspect of its strategy during the Cold War, as it sought to contain the spread of communism and maintain its position as a global superpower.
Examining Japan's 2022 nuclear debate and its implications for the US-Japan alliance with actionable recommendations for extended deterrence in Japan. Japan's role as a key US ally in the Asia-Pacific region was crucial during the Cold War, as the US sought to contain the spread of communism and maintain stability in the region.
The United States is trying to build a growing alliance with India to counter China, but an independent streak complicates relations. The US's efforts to build alliances and partnerships with countries like India were essential during the Cold War, as it sought to balance power dynamics and maintain its influence in key regions.
As China launches its Chang'e-6 mission to the far side of the moon, US officials have expressed alarm at the pace of its advancements. The technological and military advancements of rival powers, such as China, were a constant source of concern for the US during the Cold War, as it sought to maintain its strategic advantage and deter potential threats.
November's presidential election may be nine months away, but Europe is already trying to Trump-proof itself, officials on the continent. The changing political landscape and leadership transitions in the US and Europe were key factors that influenced the US's strategy during the Cold War, as it sought to maintain stability and alliances in the face of shifting dynamics.
This essay first explores two important instances of threat inflation. One concerns the exaggeration during the Cold War about the degree to which... The phenomenon of threat inflation, where perceived threats are exaggerated for political or strategic reasons, was a key feature of the Cold War era that influenced US foreign policy and military strategy.
April 2022. By William Burr and Jeffrey Kimball. Implicit or explicit nuclear threats have been the default position of states possessing nuclear weapons. The constant threat of nuclear conflict and the policy of deterrence were central to the US's strategy during the Cold War, as it sought to prevent the escalation of tensions and maintain peace and stability.
