Characteristics such as mutual distrust, suspicion, and misunderstandings by both the US and the Soviet Union, and their respective allies, describe the Cold War through the years. At times, such conditions have increased the probability of a third world war. Some issues that led to the Cold War are, that the US ha

s accused the U.S.S.R. of seeking to expand Communism throughout the world. Meanwhile, the Soviets have charged the US with practicing imperialism and with attempting to sop revolutionary activity in other countries. Another contribution to the East-West tension is each bloc’s vision of the world. On one side, the US, wants a world of independent nations based on democratic principles. On the other, the Soviet Union, has tried to control areas it considers very important to its national interest, including much of Eastern Europe.

Economic developments also caused major shifts in the world balance of power during the 1960’s. Japan and West Germany became important nations in the struggle for power thanks to their rapid industrialization. Their emergence along with the growing strength of China, led to new relationships. Then in 1971 China joined the United Nations and The US established diplomatic relations with China in 1979. The Cold War tension rose again after the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979. Soviet leaders said the invasion was designed to help defend Afghanistan’s Pro-Communist government

Some topics in this essay:
Soviet Union, Cold War, Iraq Afghanistan, Afghanistan’s Pro-Communist, Meanwhile Soviets, West Germany, Latin America, Eastern Europe, War II, cold war, Europe Communism, soviet union, eastern europe, intense rivalry, world war, latin america, west germany,