The End of the Cold War: Global Transformations and New Eras
The End of the Cold War and Global Transformations
Gorbachev’s Reforms and the End of the Soviet Bloc
The reforms initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev marked a pivotal moment in the decline of the communist bloc.
Political and Foreign Policy Reforms
- Began the democratization of the USSR.
- Granted more autonomy to the republics.
- In foreign policy, proclaimed unilateral disarmament of the USSR, which allowed the resumption of disarmament talks with the U.S.
- The Soviet Union withdrew from Afghanistan.
Economic Reforms Under Gorbachev
- Introduced some economic freedom while maintaining collective ownership.
- Allowed private enterprise and personal incentives.
- Took steps to modernize, improve product quality, and increase productivity.
Disintegration of the Communist Bloc
As of 1989, two significant events led to the fall of the communist bloc:
Fall of Communist Regimes in Central and Eastern Europe
- Central and Eastern European countries led reforms that allowed the fall of communist regimes.
- East Germany opened the Berlin Wall in 1989, dismantling the symbol of Europe’s division into blocs.
- This led to calls for elections, followed by the reunification of the two Germanys in 1990.
Dissolution of the USSR
- The dissolution of the USSR began with decentralized reforms initiated by Gorbachev.
- When a new treaty granting self-government to the republics was proposed for signing in August 1991, a hardline sector of the Communist Party organized a coup to prevent it.
- The coup was quelled by the intervention of Boris Yeltsin.
- Thereafter, reforms accelerated: the Communist Party was legalized, independence was granted to the Baltic republics, and the USSR was dissolved.
- The USSR was replaced by the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), headed by Boris Yeltsin.
- The Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CMEA) and the Warsaw Pact also ceased to exist.
Global Developments Beyond the Cold War
Latin America: Political and Economic Challenges
Political Landscape in Latin America
- Revolutionary movements, guerrilla warfare, and military dictatorships were frequent.
- These often involved the United States.
- In the 1980s, democracies became widespread in some countries, while in others, guerrilla movements and political instability persisted.
Economic Evolution in Latin America
- The Latin American economy, based on exports of raw materials, depended heavily on international demand.
- After World War II, a process of industrialization began, focused on consumer industries and import substitution.
- The situation worsened with the 1973 oil crisis, which increased inflation, unemployment, and poverty.
Social Inequality in Latin America
Society saw reinforced inequality between a rich minority and the majority of the population, leading to severe economic and cultural gaps.
Chinese Communism: From Mao to Market Socialism
The Maoist Era in China
- Policy: Mao Zedong and the Communist Party controlled power and suppressed any internal opposition. In 1964, a new constitution, socialist in nature, was promulgated.
- Economics: The triumph of communism led to an initial alignment with the USSR and the Soviet model, introducing economic planning, collectivization of land, and nationalization of industry.
- Society: The commune system established strong social egalitarianism, with local authorities controlling the private lives of the people.
Post-Mao Transformations in China
- Policy: The Communist Party maintained control of power.
- Economy: Reforms combined communism with capitalist elements, resulting in what is known as market socialism.