Neocolonialism and Global Politics

A period of intense cooperation and alliance between China and the Soviet Union, marked by mutual support in international affairs and military assistance.

The elimination of private land ownership and the establishment of collective farms in the Soviet Union, aiming to increase agricultural production and control over peasantry.

The 1952 US presidential election saw Dwight D. Eisenhower, a strong anti-communist, assume office, marking a shift in American foreign policy.

The death of Joseph Stalin in 1953, marked by fear, intrigue, and a lack of medical assistance due to the dictator's purges eliminating potential doctors.

A Soviet policy initiated by Stalin that targeted Jewish doctors, falsely accusing them of plotting to harm Soviet leaders. It reflected Stalin's paranoia and anti-Semitism.

Nikita Khrushchev, a rising Soviet leader, emerged as a potential successor to Stalin after the dictator's death. He was known for his revolutionary spirit and contrasting views with Malenkov.

Khrushchev's reconciliation with Yugoslavia, led by Josip Broz Tito, marked a shift in Soviet policy toward more moderate views.

A military alliance established in 1955 by the Soviet Union and its allies. It served as a counter to NATO and aimed to deter any defections from the Soviet sphere of influence.

Khrushchev's attempt to eliminate the image of Stalin as a supreme leader, acknowledging his crimes and violations of communist principles.

A major event that marked the beginning of the Cold War space race, with the USSR launching the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, into orbit.

A US foreign policy strategy that aimed to ease tensions and improve relations with the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

A treaty signed in 1968 that aimed to halt the spread of nuclear weapons and promote nuclear disarmament.

A series of arms control agreements between the US and the USSR in the 1970s, designed to limit the development and deployment of strategic nuclear weapons.

A policy pursued by West German Chancellor Willy Brandt in the 1970s to improve relations with East Germany and other Eastern European countries.

A political and social movement of youth and intellectuals, particularly in the US, which challenged conventional values, social norms, and war in the 1960s.

The period in Czechoslovakia from January to August 1968, marked by a brief liberalization of the communist regime and a wave of reforms.

A military doctrine adopted by the Soviet Union in 1968, justifying the use of armed force to intervene in other socialist states to prevent 'anti-socialist' activities.

A Marxist-Leninist political party founded in 1965 in Afghanistan, seeking radical social and political reforms.

A term used to describe the various resistance groups fighting against the Soviet-backed government in Afghanistan during the Soviet-Afghan War.

A term used to describe the invasion of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union in 1979, lasting for almost a decade.

The idea that some countries, like the United States, are obligated to intervene in other countries' conflicts to uphold humanitarian values. This can involve military action, sanctions, or aid programs. It's a controversial topic, as critics argue that it can be used as justification for imperialism or interference in other nations' affairs.

The US's claim to being the primary global authority, often referred to as "the World's Policeman." This suggests the US has a responsibility to maintain order and protect global interests, even through military force. However, it's controversial as critics argue it fuels resentment and conflict.

The use of economic, political, or cultural means by a dominant country to control other, often former colonial states. It can be a subtle form of power, influencing policies and choices without direct rule.

The idea that the US has a significant influence on global culture through media, technology, and consumerism. It can lead to the spread of US values and ideas, sometimes undermining local cultures and identity.

A group of emerging economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) seeking to challenge the dominant global order and promote multipolarity. They aim to have more political and economic influence on the international stage.

A period of political and economic reforms in the Soviet Union, introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev, aimed at increasing openness and introducing limited market mechanisms.

The dismantling of the Soviet Union, culminating in the dissolution of the USSR on December 25th, 1991, after the Belavezha Accords signed by the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.

The easing of restrictions on information and freedom of speech in the Soviet Union, introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev.

The economic restructuring reforms introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev in the Soviet Union, aimed at decentralizing the economy and introducing limited market mechanisms.

A policy that emerged after the fall of the USSR, where the US acted unilaterally (alone) in international affairs, often without the support or cooperation of other countries. A notable example is the Iraq War in 2003.

A system where multiple countries work together to address global challenges and issues. It encourages cooperation and diplomacy.

A world order where a single state or power dominates in terms of military, economic, and cultural influence. This was often used to describe the situation after the fall of the USSR when the US was the sole superpower.

A set of market-oriented policies that prioritize free trade, limited government intervention, and deregulation, often associated with globalization.

The agreements signed in December 1991, that officially dissolved the USSR, establishing the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and granting independence to the former Soviet republics.

The short-term cause of the fall of the Berlin Wall, where an East German official mistakenly announced that the borders were open, triggering massive public movement and ultimately leading to the wall's downfall.

A political system where citizens directly participate in decision-making.

A political system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

A political system where power is concentrated in the hands of a single individual or a small group, often with little or no citizen participation.

The process of analyzing and studying the transition from an authoritarian regime to a democracy.

The period in Greece from 1967 to 1974, characterized by a military dictatorship that restricted freedoms and suppressed dissent.

The overthrow of the Greek military junta in 1973, marked by student protests and a shift to democratic rule. It demonstrated that public pressure and resistance could force change in authoritarian regimes.

Portugal's revolution in 1974 that ended the Estado Novo dictatorship, marked by minimal bloodshed. It resulted from a combination of internal factors like colonial wars, economic hardship, and external pressure for democracy.

The economic policy implemented in Spain under Franco's regime aimed at achieving economic self-sufficiency by isolating the country from external forces. It led to economic stagnation and isolation after World War II.

The economic plan adopted by Spain in 1959 to promote economic growth and modernization. It involved investments and reforms, leading to an economic boom and a shift towards Western alignment.

The transition of Spain to democracy after Franco's death, facilitated by King Juan Carlos I. It was a peaceful change guided by economic growth and the desire for a more open society.