With relations between Russia and the NATO countries rapidly deteriorating, many analysts
have referred to this conflict as the second Cold War.
However, a significant number of factors are different between the 20th century conflict
and this one.
So, what is the second Cold War?
Well, the original Cold War was a indirectly-confrontational stand-off from 1945 to 1991.
It was between the Western Bloc, made up of the United States and NATO, against the Eastern
Bloc, which was the Soviet Union and satellite states.
The split was largely based on ideological differences, pitting the capitalist West with
the Communist east.
The war was considered “Cold” as neither side took part in regional warfare.
However, fighting did take place in the form of “proxy wars” in Korea, Vietnam, and
Afghanistan, which both sides supported financially and militarily.
The Cold War ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Today’s Cold War 2.0 is largely the result of Russian opposition to NATO expansion following
the collapse of the Soviet Union.
In recent years, Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, has promoted conservative policy and
an anti-Western ideology, known as Putinism.
Within this view is the concept that the countries which gained independence after the Soviet
Union ended, should still be within Russia’s sphere of influence.
In 2005, Putin referred to the residents of the former Soviet Union as Russians who’ve
been left outside of the Russian border.
His actions have widely been interpreted as attempts to restore the old Soviet Union under
a new Russian Federation.
In February of 2014, Putin invaded Ukraine and annexed the city of Crimea, while denying
any Russian involvement in the military operation.
In response, Russia was ejected from the G8, making it the G7.
Additionally, the EU enacted broad sanctions against Russia.
But besides bringing down the value of the Ruble, the sanctions have had little political
influence.
Following the annexation, NATO began a military buildup near the Russian border.
Putin responded by violating international law again, and preparing more than 1,550 nuclear
weapons for deployment.
In April of 2015, it leaked that Russia was prepared to respond to non-nuclear events
with nuclear weapons.
This created dangerous uncertainty within the international community, reminiscent of
the original Cold War.
In other ex-soviet countries, like Georgia, Moldova, and the Baltic states, tensions have
been strained between pro and anti-Putin groups.
Some speculate that Russia plans to continue invading and annexing those former countries.
As a result of Russia’s government controlling domestic media sources, their reporting has
recently been referred to as “information manipulation” and “mass hallucinations”
with no basis in reality.
The East vs. West standoff has dangerous implications for the rest of the world, especially as nuclear
weapons come into play.
The last Cold War lasted nearly half a century, and many are hoping that this second round
is quickly resolved before it turns from cold to scorching.
If you’re interested in diving deeper into the incredibly complicated politics of eastern
europe, make sure you check out our video here about some times that russia has recently
crossed into foreign territory.
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