The Cold War — Glossary

A situation where no single state or coalition dominates others, maintaining stability through power equilibrium.

A metaphor describing the division between Western democracies and Eastern communist countries during the Cold War.

Winston Churchill’s style of resolute, inspiring leadership during crises, especially World War II.

Fukuyama's argument that liberal democracy may represent the final form of human government after ideological evolution.

An informal arrangement among major powers to manage international order and prevent conflict through cooperation.

The political and ideological barrier dividing Eastern and Western Europe from 1945 until the end of the Cold War, symbolizing Soviet influence in Eastern Europe.

An informal arrangement where great powers cooperate to maintain international order and prevent conflict.

Conflicts where two opposing powers support different sides without direct confrontation, common during the Cold War.

A 1962 Cold War confrontation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union over Soviet ballistic missiles deployed in Cuba, nearly leading to nuclear war.

A term popularized by Churchill to describe the ideological and physical boundary dividing Europe into Soviet and Western spheres during the Cold War.