The disintegration of Soviet Union in 1991 marked the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the bipolar world order, leading to U.S. unipolar dominance. The Soviet Union, which once controlled a vast territory and held global influence, disintegrated due to economic stagnation, political instability, nationalist movements, and failed reforms. Bipolarity refers to…
The Cold War was a geopolitical, ideological, and economic struggle between the United States (U.S.) and the Soviet Union (USSR) that shaped international relations for nearly five decades. Unlike traditional wars, it was characterized by political tensions, proxy wars, nuclear arms races, and ideological conflicts rather than direct military confrontation between the two superpowers. The…
Decolonization refers to the process by which colonial territories gained independence from European imperial powers, leading to the formation of sovereign nations, primarily in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. This process was marked by political struggles, nationalist movements, armed conflicts, and international diplomatic efforts. While decolonization had begun in the 18th and…
The redrawal of national boundaries has been a defining feature of global history, shaping the political, social and economic landscapes of nations. From the collapse of empires and colonialism to the aftermath of wars and geopolitical negotiations, the process of redrawing borders has often been driven by complex factors such as ethnic identity, political power,…
World War 2 (1939–1945) was the most devastating and far-reaching conflict in human history, involving over 30 nations and resulting in an estimated 70–85 million deaths. It was triggered by the aggressive expansionist policies of Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan, and Fascist Italy, and was fuelled by unresolved tensions from World War 1 and the rise…
The Great Depression was a severe and prolonged global economic downturn that began in 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s. It was characterized by massive declines in industrial production, widespread unemployment, banking collapses, and deflation. The crisis affected almost every country in the world, leading to economic hardship, political instability, and social upheaval. Key…
World War 1 (1914-1918) was a global conflict primarily fought between the Allied Powers, led by Britain, France, and Russia, and the Central Powers, led by Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire. Sparked by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, the war escalated due to deep-rooted militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism. It was…
Socialism is a political, economic and social ideology that advocates for collective or governmental ownership and management of the means of production and distribution of goods. It emerged as a response to the inequalities and exploitation created by industrial capitalism and seeks to establish a more just and equitable society by ensuring that wealth and…
Colonialism and imperialism are two interconnected yet distinct concepts in world history that played a significant role in shaping global political, economic, and social structures. These processes were driven by the expansionist policies of powerful nations, leading to the subjugation and exploitation of weaker regions. Colonialism is the direct political and economic control of foreign…
US Hegemony refers to its dominance in economic, military, political, and cultural spheres, shaping global affairs since World War II. Emerging as a superpower, the U.S. established institutions like the UN, IMF, World Bank, and NATO to reinforce its influence. During the Cold War, it positioned itself as the leader of the “Free World,” countering…