15. Cold War: Proxy Wars & Global Influence
1. How events unfolded
The United States and Soviet Union competed through alliances, military aid, intelligence operations and rival economic models. Conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Angola and elsewhere had local origins but were intensified by outside support.
2. The costs & gains
Weapons and funding often strengthened armed factions while weakening incentives for negotiated settlements. Civilian infrastructure was damaged, populations displaced and economies diverted toward military needs. Yet the period also saw scientific competition, expanded education and major development projects.
3. What endured
When the Soviet Union dissolved, several conflicts continued because local grievances and armed networks had not disappeared. External sponsorship can sustain combat long after the original political rationale has faded.