Perhaps the most famous pact, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Pact, was signed on April 4, 1949. Its underlying premise was that European defense could not be entrusted to the United Nations. NATO, therefore, was designed to “create not merely a balance of power, but a preponderance of power” to deal with the Russians from “positions of strength.” Twelve … [Read More...]
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ROUND ONE: IRAN
Unlike the case of Manchuria, the United States and the Soviet Union had no longstanding rivalry in Iran. Instead, the Russians had long battled the British for … [Read More...]
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Russia vs. America
RUSSIA vs AMERICA Stalin’s compulsion to protect Russian interests dictated his actions. He was determined to prevent foreign domination of territories contiguous … [Read More...]
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The Soviet Challenge
With the death of Stalin in March 1953, the Soviets renewed their long dormant interest in the revolutionary potential of the less developed world. Khruschev resolutely determined to mobilize the newly emerging and decolonializing nations against the West, … [Read More...]
Superpower Conflict in the Third World
Was the Cold War a direct result of the breakdown of World War II alliances? Not really. In actuality, it took form in the late 19th century on the plains of Northern China and Manchuria. Conflict arose when the American emphasis on business, markets, and … [Read More...]
KOREAN WAR TIMELINE
As the American conflict with North Korea gains intensity, there seem to be few good options for those opposed to the nuclear build-up of Kim Jung-un's regime. Some foreign policy wonks think deterrence is the answer. It worked during the Cold War. But can it … [Read More...]
