Both sides held enough weapons to ensure "Mutually Assured Destruction" (MAD).

Increased economic and military pressure on the Soviets.

The closest the world came to nuclear war in 1962. 2. Détente and Proxy Wars (1963–1979)

Rapid fall of communist regimes in Eastern Europe. 🏛️ The Post-Cold War Legacy

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The Cold War taught the world that soft power (culture, economics, and diplomacy) can be as effective as hard power (military force). The collapse of the USSR was driven more by economic stagnation and the desire for political freedom than by a battlefield defeat.

The U.S. emerged as the sole superpower, but China and Russia have since challenged this status.

Period of improved relations and arms control treaties (SALT).