The Cold War

The end of the Cold War in 1990 was the result of a complex interplay of political, economic, and social factors. A key element was the reformist policies of Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who introduced glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring), aiming to modernize the Soviet Union. These policies inadvertently weakened the Communist grip, leading to increased demands for freedom across Eastern Europe. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 symbolized the collapse of Soviet influence in the region.

Additionally, the economic stagnation of the Soviet Union made it increasingly difficult to sustain the arms race with the West. Diplomatic efforts, such as the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and improved relations with the United States under President Ronald Reagan, further eased tensions. Together, these factors culminated in the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, marking the definitive end of the Cold War era.