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The Second Cold War era, from 1979 to 1985, was characterized by heightened US-USSR tensions. Key events include the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the Carter Doctrine, Reagan's military buildup, and the Strategic Defense Initiative. Leadership contrasts and economic pressures in the Soviet Union, along with Gorbachev's reforms, eventually led to Cold War de-escalation and the USSR's dissolution.
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35 nations, including the US and USSR, agreed to respect sovereignty, foster economic cooperation, and protect human rights
Soviet Intervention in Afghanistan
The Soviet Union's military intervention in Afghanistan in 1979 led to the deterioration of détente and a revival of Cold War tensions
The period from 1979 to 1985 is often referred to as the Second Cold War due to the intensification of hostilities between the US and USSR
President Jimmy Carter's shift towards a more assertive foreign policy, including trade embargoes and support for anti-communist resistance, signaled a deep freeze in superpower relations
Strong Anti-Communist Rhetoric
President Ronald Reagan's administration was marked by strong anti-communist rhetoric and a commitment to contain and reverse the spread of communism
Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)
Reagan's proposal for missile defense systems, known as the SDI, escalated the arms race and exacerbated Cold War tensions
The partnership between Reagan and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher reinforced a unified Western opposition to Soviet policies, while the aging Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev appeared increasingly stagnant, contributing to a perception of vulnerability
The Soviet economy faced mounting pressures during the Second Cold War, characterized by stagnation and a decline in vital oil revenues
Perestroika and Glasnost
Mikhail Gorbachev's policies of perestroika (restructuring) and glasnost (openness) aimed to address economic challenges and engage with the West
Negotiations with the US
Gorbachev's willingness to reduce military spending and engage in negotiations with the Reagan administration laid the groundwork for the eventual easing of Cold War hostilities and the dissolution of the Soviet Union
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Détente Era
Period in 1970s; reduced US-Soviet hostility; increased diplomacy and agreements.
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Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan
1979 event; escalated Cold War tensions; undermined détente's progress.
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Cold War Arms Control Disputes
Ongoing disagreements; limited détente's effectiveness; contributed to Cold War tension revival.
