Unit 2 Assignment Exploring the 1960s - Research Paper Example

Describe the historical and political conditions of the Cold War era. Cold war that started after the end of Second World War involved the two super powers of that time, U.S.S.R (Union of Soviet Socialist Republic) and U.S.A (United States of America). There was no direct war being fought between the two giants, however proxy wars and espionage were few of the features of cold war. Contrary to the other forms of war that include direct confrontations, the cold war is being fought through indirect means and no direct use of weapons against each other.

The war lasted for nearly five decades and had divided the world into two blocks of communists and capitalists. It ended with the disintegration of the Soviet Republic and dynamics of the world war being slightly modified by end of it (Gaddis, 2011).Explain the specific threats to American citizens:Though the cold war might well have ended two decades ago, yet the seeds sown back then are showing their impact in different forms. A prime example in this case can be the Mujahedeen that were nurtured by the Americans against the Soviet Socialists, became their own enemies; as a result America had to go to War in Afghanistan against them.

Various other countries have turned rebellious due to the cold war and have made America insecure in many aspects.Other threats posed to the American nation as a whole include the bitter feeling that is left in the hearts of the then Soviet Socialists and present day Russia. They were humiliated at the end of it and their entire empire came down (Craig & Logevall, 2009).Describe the preparations you would make to protect your family:In terms of protection for the family, vigilance is the word; each member of the family should know their responsibilities.

The threats faced immediately after cold war were the nuclear arsenal being possessed by the disintegrated soviet republic. That threat has vaporized to a large extent. While in public they should be cautious and should report and notice anything suspicious. Besides this the onus falls upon the government to protect the citizens from any kind of vulnerabilities that might exist in the surroundings (Tuttle, 1993).Conclude with one question for further study on the Cold War era:The cold war that lasted from 1950s to 1990s set up new paradigms for times ahead.

What we see today is largely because of the cold war that established its roots deep into various countries political operations and foreign affairs. The end of cold war resulted in total submission and defeat of one of the power and left alone capitalist power United States to dictate terms in future. The then U.S.S.R has gone on back foot after being humbled at end of the war. The Berlin wall was another event which marked the end of cold war after the U.S.S.R domination was ended and West Germany and East Germany was amalgamated into one unit.

Hence it can be easily said that what we have today in international politics, is largely the fruit of seeds sown during the cold war (Harbutt, 2002). Works Cited:Craig, C., & Logevall, F. (2009). Americas Cold War: The Politics of Insecurity. Harvard University Press.Gaddis, J. L. (2011). The Cold War. Penguin Books Limited.Harbutt, F. J. (2002). The Cold War Era. Blackwell Publishers.Tuttle, W. M. (1993). Daddys Gone to War": The Second World War in the Lives of Americas Children. Oxford University Press.