The Strategic Defence Initiative Within The Cold War Essay

The Cold War was an ideological war primarily between the United States and the Soviet Union (1945-1991). There were several major flashpoints within the war, such as the concept of Mutually Assured Destruction (M.A.D), the Strategic Defence Initiative (S.D.I), the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, the Berlin Blockade and the defiance of the USSR. This essay will discuss the significance the Strategic Defence Initiative within the Cold War. Contrary to the mainstream idea that the S.D.I played a primary role in ending the cold war, the S.D.I had implications in ending the war by influencing Soviet leadership however it unnecessarily complicated and increased tensions in the war. To begin with, the Cold War occurred because of the increased tensions and the alternate ideologies. Secondly, the Strategic Defence Initiative had opposing goals and purposes, therefore ensuring its superiority across political and defensive areas.Finally, the S.D.I only increased existi ng tensions. The Cold War was an ideological war between Communist and Capitalist ideologies. Specifically, the two super powers, the Soviet Union and the United States. This ideological war began shortly after the conclusion of the Cold War, with the Cambridge University Press defining the Cold War as a state of extreme unfriendliness... between countries, especially ... with opposing ideological systems, ... expressing itself ... through political pressure and threats. (Cambridge UniversityShow MoreRelatedThe Beginning of the End for the Cold War1228 Words   |  5 Pagespolicies (Regan Doctrine) which concluded the Cold War contest with victory for the west. 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