Opposite Ideology, Parallel Policy: the USA and the USSR in the Third World during the Cold War

https://doi.org/10.65161/recSqwPOIr9MCFDOQ

The Cold War was a period marked by stark contrasts and division between the USA and USSR. However, on the topic of the Third World, both superpowers broadly agreed. This paper explores the parallels in the policies of the Soviet Union and the United States toward non-aligned nations through analysis of journal articles, books, and primary sources. In particular, the Vietnam War (1955-1975) and the Soviet-Afghan War (1979–1989) are used as primary examples to highlight the mirroring that occurred between the two superpowers. While there certainly were differences in the policies of the Soviets and of the Americans, both believed that their system was inherently incompatible with the other’s, and worked to expand their spheres of influence by negotiating to gain favor, engaging in proxy wars, and taking direct military action to further their respective goal of securing an ideological victory.