Chapter 35 The End of the Cold War (1990-2006)

Gorbachev (1985-1991) Economic conditions in USSR deteriorated in the 1980s  led to the collapse of communism. Industrial production dropped 1985 onward: new USSR leader Mikhail Gorbachev led intensive reform. 1987: Agreement with the USA to limit range missiles. 1988: New constitution Glasnost (openness): allowed Soviets to discuss the government, and even criticize it. Perestroika (economic restructuring): allow private ownership; decentralize government control of industry and agriculture. Goal: Open the USSR into fuller participation in the world economy; allow foreign investments; produce consumer goods Abolish Communist monopoly on elections. Pressed for bureaucratic efficiency.

Dismantling the Soviet Empire Eastern Europe pushed for greater independence and social reforms from the USSR as the Soviets grew weaker. Gorbachev declared “any nation has the right to decide its fate by itself.” 1988: Poland adopted a noncommunist government. 1989: Czechoslovakia separated into Czech Republic and Slovakia. 1989: East Germany displaced its communist government and dismantled the Berlin Wall. By 1990, both Germanys are united. Few new governments fully defined their constitutional structure, leading to later problems.

Breakdown of Yugoslavia (1990s-2008) When the Soviet Union collapsed, several ethnic and religious clashes occurred (primarily in Yugoslavia) Yugoslavia had long-standing tensions among Serbs, Albanians, and Croats, as well as Orthodox, Catholic, Muslim. Fighting began in Bosnia, then moved to Kosovo. 2004: Republics of Serbia and Montenegro created 2008: Republic of Kosovo created Violence and genocide ended when NATO intervened. Implosion of Yugoslavia, 1991-1999

Post-Soviet Union Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia

The End of the USSR An attempted coup in 1991 threatened Gorbachev’s presidency; Boris Yeltsin becomes leader. Yeltsin proclaimed the end of the Soviet Union, and he became the President of Russian Republic. Communist Party ended The fall of the USSR gave way to new independent states in eastern Europe. Yeltsin tried to incorporate private enterprises, but faced resistance Yeltsin resigned and was replaced by Vladimir Putin in 2009. Crime, economic weakness, and tensions in Balkans and Ukraine continue. Tensions with Muslim-dominated regions

Middle Eastern Conflicts Sawr Revolution in Afghanistan (1978): Communist takeover of Afghan government Soviet War in Afghanistan (1979-1989): Soviets invade Afghanistan to support communist faction. Soviets withdraw in 1989; fail to establish a communist government Persian Gulf War (1990): Iraq, under Hussein, invaded oil-rich Kuwait. US-led UN forces counter Iraq 2003: Invasion of Iraq, led by US and UK, to depose Hussein Believed to have weapons of mass destruction and ties to al-Qaeda Captured in 2003; hung in 2006 Israeli-Palestinian conflict persisted. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated in Kashmir, a disputed territory.

The Spread of Democracy The end of the Cold War showed a larger trend in the world: the spread of multiparty democracies with free elections. The democratic wave hit Spain, Portugal and Greece in the 1970’s, then Latin America, then Asia, then Africa. Only China, North Korea, and parts of the Middle East withstood democratic governments. The USA voiced support for democracy under President Jimmy Carter and into the 1990s, but supported authoritarian regimes in Egypt, Pakistan, Uzbekistan that promised support against terrorism.

The US as Sole Superpower US military commitments remained high after the Cold War. US heavily militarizes; many countries increased their militaries in response. The growth and success of the European Union is a potential counterweight to the USA. American interests have been targets of terrorist attacks since the 1960’s. US policy diverted to the “war on terrorism.” US turned to Iraq and Afghanistan following September 11th, 2001 attacks. Iraq: accused of amassing weapons of mass destruction; evidence proved largely erroneous Afghanistan: attack topples Islamic fundamentalist regime that harbored Al Qaeda