End of Cold War

The cold war between USA and USSR witnessed the phase of detente during 1980s and it finally came to an end in 1991.The new American outlook played an important role in creating conditions responsible for the end of Cold War. During 1970s and 80s a new outlook emerged which saw the fruitlessness of the strategy to counter communism. Their failure in Vietnam War opened their eyes and American leadership starting believing that there must be some way to counter communism.

The economic crisis faced by USSR and countries of Eastern Block also played important role in the end of cold war.

Mikhail Gorbachev and Collapse of Communism

The emergence of Mikhail Gorbachev as the President of USSR was also responsible in creating conditions favorable for ending the cold war. He believed in liberal and progressive form of communism. He was aware of the fact that the nation was facing difficulty in continuing the arm race due to diversion of precious resources from civilian development to military development and this was affecting the economy. The policies of Gorbachev resulted in the improvement of relations with the capitalist world.


Fall of Communism in Eastern Europe

The decline of communism in Eastern Europe was also responsible as during the closing years of 1980s the non-communist elements came to the power in the countries of Eastern Europe.

The decline of communism in Eastern Europe was also responsible as during the closing years of 1980s the non-communist elements came to the power in the countries of Eastern Europe.