Are We in a New Cold War?
The phrase ‘Cold War’ has become part of our language and it continues to be a source of intense debate and speculation. The term refers to a period of geopolitical tension between two major world powers, typically the US and the Soviet Union, that was marked by a long period of mistrust, international saber-rattling, and a series of proxy wars and military stand-offs.
Since the fall of the Soviet Union, there have been numerous speculation that a new Cold War has been emerging between the United States and the nations of Russia and China. But is this really the case? Let’s examine the evidence.
What is the Cold War?
The Cold War is generally considered to have lasted from 1947 to 1991. During this time, the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union had cooled significantly, with both sides engaging in a protracted period of armed standoff, international aggression, and ‘proxy wars’ in the form of small, localized conflicts on a global scale.
The two major powers were, in essence, mortal enemies, but they never launched a major, direct attack against one another, hence the name ‘Cold War’. Although the Cold War is now considered to have ended, its impacts can still be felt, both historically and in the present-day.
Is the US in a New Cold War?
While the United States is no longer engaged in the intense political and military tussles of the original Cold War, the signs of a new Cold War are there. It’s important to remember that during the original Cold War, the two sides never fired a shot at one another, but in fact relied on proxies wars, diplomacy, and propaganda to express their displeasure and might.
The same could certainly be said of the current state of play between the United States and Russia and China. All three countries are engaging in a series of aggressive actions that suggest a growing animosity, though none have yet led to direct confrontation.
It is clear that the United States and Russia are currently engaged in a game of brinkmanship, with posturing, public statements, diplomatic tours, and military actions in the Ukraine highlighting the growing levels of discord.
China, too, is engaged in what could be perceived as provocative maneuvering, with an expansive claims strategy in the South China Sea, economic and political ties challenging US hegemony in Africa, and an active espionage program directed against US government and private interests.
Why Might a New Cold War Be Emerging?
When it comes to answering the question of whether or not we are in a new Cold War, it’s important to consider the factors that may be driving this new dynamic. Here are some of the possible reasons as to why a new Cold War may be emerging between the United States and Russia, China, or both.
- Power and Influence
At its heart, the Cold War was largely driven by a desire for power and influence. This is something that has not changed since the Cold War officially ended.
It is true that Russia and China no longer pose the same degree of threat to the US as they once did, but both nations are still capable of exerting significant influence, both globally and domestically.
- Resource Competition
The United States and Russia have been competing for access to energy resources for decades. In recent years, China has also become an aggressive competitor in this area, with moves to control crucial infrastructure and resources in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
- Ideological Antagonism
The ideological divide between the United States and Russia is well-documented. President Putin’s recent calls for the return of Soviet-style socialism and central planning have added extra animosity to relations between the two countries, although it should be noted that ideological antagonism between the two sides has been present for many decades.
- Technological Superiority
Tech has always been a major factor driving the Cold War adversaries apart. In recent years, both Russia and China have made significant advances in the field of artificial intelligence and robotics, leading some to question the US’s technological superiority and its position on the world stage.
- Geopolitical Maneuvering
The US, Russia, and China all appear to be actively engaged in a series of geopolitical maneuvers and posturing. Proxy wars, economic sanctions, diplomatic tours, and cyber-attacks appear to be the main tools of the trade, suggesting that a modern-day Cold War is indeed underway.
Ultimately, the question of whether or not we are in a new Cold War is a contentious one. While there is certainly a great deal of tension and posturing between the major powers, it is difficult to definitively say whether or not we are currently in the midst of a new Cold War.
What is clear, however, is that the geopolitical landscape is increasingly complex and unpredictable, with the actions of the United States, Russia, and China all having a significant impact on the global order. As such, it is important to closely monitor developments in the coming months and years to gauge whether or not a new Cold War is truly upon us.
