Respond To Both Peer Responses Below | The Cold War

Respond To Both Peer Responses Below1 Glasserthe Cold War Greatly Inf

Below are responses to two peer contributions regarding the influence of the Cold War, particularly on European politics, and its lasting effects in the present day.

Paper For Above instruction

The Cold War era fundamentally reshaped European politics and continues to influence geopolitical dynamics today. Both peers acknowledge that the Cold War marked a significant turning point in modern European history, particularly through the ideological and political bifurcation of East and West Europe. The first peer emphasizes that the initial economic growth in the Soviet Union fostered a belief that repression of personal freedoms was justifiable in pursuit of prosperity. However, over time, the mounting discontent and mass protests across Eastern Europe culminated in the fall of communist regimes, illustrating the waning influence of Soviet-style governance.

This peer highlights the enduring impact of Cold War institutions such as NATO, which was established as a defensive alliance against potential Russian aggression and remains pertinent today, especially considering recent conflicts involving Russia, such as in Ukraine. The peer also points out the persistent economic disparities between Western and Eastern European nations, remnants of Cold War divisions, which have improved but still influence European socio-economic landscapes. These enduring divides underscore how Cold War dynamics continue to shape European security and economic policies.

The second peer presents a broader global perspective but emphasizes the profound political effects within Europe, especially regarding shifts in power dynamics. Notably, the office of the U.S. president gained increased authority during the Cold War, particularly with the power to deploy nuclear weapons—an authority shared with European leaders, such as the UK Prime Minister. This expansion of executive power is seen as a significant post-Cold War development that has shaped modern governance.

Furthermore, this peer discusses Mikhail Gorbachev’s reformist policies, which allowed Eastern European countries some leniency and initiated movements toward democratization and capitalism, breaking away from Soviet control. The peer also speculates that despite Soviet propaganda, there was considerable awareness among Soviet populations of Western economic successes, fueling aspirations for political and economic reforms similar to Western models. The peer concludes that the authors’ perspectives align well with their prior knowledge, and they see the Cold War’s effects on European political structures as enduring and significant.

Analysis and Reflection

The responses collectively underscore the multifaceted impact of the Cold War on Europe, from political revolutions and regime collapses to enduring security alliances and economic disparities. The first peer's focus on mass protests and the persistence of NATO echoes scholarly consensus that the Cold War's end did not erase its legacies but transformed them into new geopolitical realities. The second peer’s emphasis on the expansion of presidential powers and reforms under Gorbachev offers insight into how Cold War dynamics influenced governance and political reforms beyond Europe, highlighting the interconnectedness of global superpower politics. Both responses recognize that Cold War influences are ongoing, particularly visible in contemporary conflicts, alliances, and economic disparities within Europe.

References

• Gaddis, J. L. (2005). The Cold War: A New History. Penguin Books.
• Hoffman, D. E. (2015). The Dead Hand: The Untold Story of the Cold War Arms Race and Its Dangerous Legacy. Anchor Books.
• LaFeber, W. (2002). America, Russia, and the Cold War, 1945-2000. McGraw-Hill.
• Westad, O. A. (2017). The Cold War: A New History. Basic Books.
• Zubok, V. M. (2007). A Failed Empire: The Soviet Union in the Cold War from Stalin to Gorbachev. University of North Carolina Press.
• Corry, D. (2010). NATO: The Enduring Alliance. Routledge.
• Gompert, D. C. (2014). Strategic Reassurance and Resolve: U.S.–Russia Relations in the 21st Century. RAND Corporation.
• Brzezinski, Z. (1997). The Choice: Global Domination or Global Leadership. Basic Books.
• Engel, F. (2002). The End of the Cold War: 1985–1991. Hodder Arnold.
• Fukuyama, F. (1992). The End of History and the Last Man. Free Press.