Perspectives on the Present 1945-Present

A state of political hostility between countries characterized by threats, propaganda, and other measures short of open warfare Cold War

Superpowers United States  Encourage democracy  Reunite Germany to stabilize it and increase European security  Rebuild European governments to promote stability Soviet Union  Encourage communism  Keep Germany divided to prevent it from waging war  Control Eastern Europe to protect Soviet borders

Iron Curtain Barrier of Soviet controlled countries that separate the Soviet Union from the West

Containment: block soviet influence and stop expansion of communism Domino Theory: if one country falls to communism, the surrounding ones will as well Détente: Backing away from direct conflict with the Soviet Union (Starts: Nixon, Ends: Regan) U.S. Foreign Policy

The undoing of colonialism Decolonization

 Colonial borders increase ethnic and religious tension  Lack of national identity  Colonial economic policies create weak economies Problems with Decolonization

Partition India  To solve issues between Hindus and Muslims  Creates Pakistan and India Israel  To create a Jewish state from Palestine  Creates conflict immediately and is still unresolved

Global Interdependence Economics:  Service industries grow in developed nations  Free trade expands world markets  Environmental challenges continue

Global Interdependence Culture:  Mass media spreads many cultures  Popular culture becomes more international  Global interdependence awareness develops

Global Interdependence Science and Technology:  Space cooperation  Advanced communications  Inventions improve life and health

Global Interdependence Politics  Terrorism and weapons of mass destruction threaten security  Human rights improve worldwide  Immigrants change cultures