Russia

Definition

Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, with a rich history that has significantly influenced global affairs, particularly during the 20th century. Following World War II, Russia emerged as a superpower and a central player in international diplomacy and conflicts, shaping the dynamics of the Cold War and its eventual conclusion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. After World War II, Russia played a dominant role in establishing communist governments across Eastern Europe, leading to a division known as the Iron Curtain.
2. The Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 was a major confrontation between Russia and the United States, bringing them to the brink of nuclear war.
3. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 symbolized the decline of Soviet influence in Eastern Europe and set the stage for greater democratic movements.
4. Mikhail Gorbachev's policies of Glasnost (openness) and Perestroika (restructuring) were crucial in reducing tensions with the West and ultimately led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
5. In contemporary politics, Russia remains a significant power on the world stage, often asserting itself through military interventions and strategic alliances.

Review Questions

• How did Russia's role as a superpower after World War II influence global diplomacy during the early Cold War period?
  • Following World War II, Russia emerged as one of two superpowers alongside the United States, fundamentally shaping global diplomacy. The establishment of communist regimes in Eastern Europe solidified its influence, leading to conflicts over ideologies. The power struggle manifested in various forms, such as military alliances like NATO and wars influenced by both superpowers, notably in Korea and Vietnam. This competition for global dominance framed international relations for decades.
• Assess how Mikhail Gorbachev's reforms affected both domestic policies within Russia and its international relations during the late Cold War.
  • Mikhail Gorbachev's reforms of Glasnost and Perestroika aimed at introducing openness and restructuring within the Soviet economy had profound implications. Domestically, they led to greater freedom of expression but also unrest as republics sought independence. Internationally, these policies softened tensions with Western nations, facilitating arms reduction agreements and greater cooperation. However, they inadvertently contributed to the unraveling of Soviet control over Eastern Europe and ultimately led to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of Russia's actions during and after the Cold War on its current geopolitical stance and relationships with other countries.
  • The actions taken by Russia during and after the Cold War have had lasting implications for its current geopolitical stance. The dissolution of the Soviet Union led to a reevaluation of its identity on the world stage, with efforts to maintain influence over former republics through military intervention and economic ties. Additionally, Russia's assertive policies towards NATO expansion have heightened tensions with Western nations. This legacy shapes contemporary conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Syria, reflecting ongoing struggles for power and influence globally.

Related terms

Soviet Union:

The Soviet Union was a socialist state that existed from 1922 to 1991, comprised of multiple republics under the Communist Party's control, and was a key player in the Cold War.

Cold War:

The Cold War was a period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States from the late 1940s to the early 1990s, characterized by ideological conflict, military competition, and proxy wars.

Perestroika:

Perestroika refers to the political and economic reforms initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s aimed at revitalizing the Soviet economy and society, ultimately contributing to the end of the Soviet Union.