Cold War foundations
A period of political, ideological and military rivalry between the USA and Soviet Union and their allies.
Cold War
An economic system based mainly on private ownership, market competition and production for profit.
Capitalism
Competition between countries to develop and accumulate greater military power and weapons.
Arms race
Gorbachev’s policy of greater openness, allowing more public discussion and criticism of the Soviet government.
Glasnost
Strong identification with and loyalty to a nation, often linked to demands for self-government.
Nationalism
A country with the military, economic and political strength to exert influence worldwide.
Superpower
An ideology advocating common ownership of the means of production and a classless society.
Communism
Restrictions on trade or financial activity intended to pressure another country to change its behaviour.
Economic sanctions
Gorbachev’s policy of restructuring the Soviet economy and political system.
Perestroika
A sudden, unlawful seizure of government power by a small group.
Coup d’état
A conflict in which rival powers support opposing sides rather than fight each other directly.
Proxy war
An economic system in which the government controls production, prices and the distribution of resources.
Command economy
The policy of supporting anti-communist forces opposing Soviet-backed governments during Reagan’s presidency.
Reagan Doctrine
A prolonged period of little economic growth or development.
Stagnation
The withdrawal of a region or republic from an existing state or union.
Secession
The easing of tensions between rival countries, particularly the USA and Soviet Union.
Détente
A state’s supreme authority to govern itself without external control.
Sovereignty
Reagan’s proposed missile-defence program intended to intercept and destroy incoming nuclear missiles.
Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)
People who strongly defend established policies and resist reform or compromise.
Hardliners
The formal ending or breakup of a state, union or organisation.
Dissolution
The American policy of preventing the spread of communism.
Containment
The Soviet policy claiming the right to intervene in other socialist countries to preserve communist rule.
Brezhnev Doctrine
A situation in which either side’s nuclear attack would trigger retaliation capable of destroying both sides.
Mutually assured destruction (MAD)
The process of increasing democratic participation and political choice.
Democratisation
The right of a people to choose their own political status and form of government.
Self-determination