Cold War Key Terms

(1947–1991) was a geopolitical tension between the U.S. and its allies (capitalist democracies) and the Soviet Union with its allies (communist states). It involved nuclear arms races, proxy wars, espionage, and ideological conflict, but never direct military confrontation between the superpowers.

• Nuclear Weapons

• Cold War

• Globalisation

• Economic Power

Refers to the practice of managing resources in a way that supports long-term ecological balance and social well-being. It examines how past societies balanced environmental, economic, and social needs, offering valuable insights into sustainable practices and failures, which inform modern efforts to address global challenges.

• Sustainability

• Peacekeeping

• Arms Race

• The Cold War

Powerful bombs that the U.S. and Soviet Union built to scare each other during the Cold War. Both sides wanted to be the strongest, leading to an arms race. People feared a nuclear war, but neither side used them because it could destroy the world.

• Holocaust

• Decolonisation

• Superpower

• Nuclear Weapons

When a country colonizes a location then withdraws, leaving the colony independent. This frees the colony from cultural or social effects. It is a gradual effect and can take centuries. Sometimes the colonised people takes back their independence, other times the colonizer leaves due to no longer having resources or the colonized fighting back.

• Empire

• Holocaust

• Decolonisation

• Terrorism

A nation with dominant global influence, possessing extensive military, economic, and diplomatic power. In the context of war, these nations play a decisive role in shaping international conflicts, influencing alliances, and engaging in proxy wars. Historically, the U.S. and Soviet Union were considered superpowers during the Cold War.

• Superpower

• Terrorism

• Empire

• Globalisation

The ability of a country or group to influence others through money, trade, or resources. It’s about control over the economy and financial decisions.

• Superpower

• Economic Power

• Peacekeeping

• Proxy War

Refers to the deployment of international military and civilian forces to maintain peace and security in conflict areas. These forces help prevent violence, support negotiations, and assist in post-conflict reconstruction. These missions are often led by organizations like the United Nations to promote stability and humanitarian aid.

• Sustainability

• Arms Race

• Proxy War

• Peacekeeping

A war where two countries support opposite sides in a conflict, instead of fighting directly. They use other groups or countries to fight for them.

• Terrorism

• Arms Race

• Proxy War

• Empire

When countries compete to build more powerful weapons, trying to outdo each other in military strength. This can lead to more weapons and increased tension between nations.

• Arms Race

• Proxy War

• Empire

• Superpower