Russia–NATO relationsBilateral relationsRelations between the NATOmilitary alliance and the Russian Federation were established in 1991 within the framework of the North Atlantic Cooperation Council. Russia–NATO co-operation grew during the 1990s and early 2000s. Russia joined the Partnership for Peace program in 1994.
United StatesCountry primarily in North AmericaThe United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic consisting of 50 states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 contiguous states border Canada to the north and Mexico to the south, with the semi-exclave of Alaska in the northwest and the archipelago of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean.
NATOIntergovernmental military allianceThe North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an intergovernmentalmilitary alliance between 32 member states (thirty in Europe and two in North America). Founded in the aftermath of World War II, NATO was established with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty in 1949. The organization serves as a system of collective security and deterrence, whereby its independent members agree to defend each-other from attack by any outside party.Successor stateA successor state is a concept in international relations regarding a sovereign state that has formed over a territory and populace that was previously under the sovereignty of another state. A successor state may or may not acquire a new international legal personality, while a continuing state (also known as a continuator or historical heir) retains the same international legal personality and all the rights and obligations of a predecessor state.
ChinaCountry in East AsiaChina, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. It is divided into 33 province-level divisions, including two special administrative regions. Beijing is the capital, while Shanghai is the most populous city by urban area. Its geography features the Central Plain, major rivers such as the Yangtze and Yellow River, deserts, subtropical and temperate forests, plateaus, and mountain ranges such as the Himalayas.
RussiaRussia, or the Russian Federation, is a country in Eastern Europe and North Asia. It is the largest country in the world, spanning eleven time zones and sharing land borders with fourteen countries. With a population of over 140 million, Russia is the most populous country in Europe and the ninth-most populous in the world. It is a highly urbanised country, with three-fourths of its population living in urban areas.
Soviet UnionThe Soviet Union, officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), was a transcontinental country that spanned much of Eurasia from its formation in 1922 until its dissolution in 1991. It was the world's third-most populous country, the largest by area, and bordered twelve other countries.
Post–Cold War eraMapping America's War on Terrorism: an aggressive new strategy ("Pentagon's New Map")Key eventsDissolution of the Soviet Union (1991)Maastricht Treaty (1992)Yugoslav Wars (1991–2001)September 11 attacks (2001)War on terror (2001–present)Financial crisis of 2007–2008Russo-Ukrainian War (2014–present)COVID-19 Pandemic (2019–2023)Middle Eastern crisis (2023–present)The post–Cold War era is a period of history that has been ongoing since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, which began in 1988 and marked the end of the Cold War by 1991, thereby leaving the United States as the world's sole superpower.Cold War1947–1991 geopolitical rivalry between US and USSR NATO and Warsaw Pact states in 1988Duration44 years and 9 monthsPart of the post-World War II eraLocationGlobalThe Cold War was a period of international geopolitical rivalry between the United States (US) and the Soviet Union (USSR) and their respective allies, the capitalistWestern Bloc and communistEastern Bloc. It began in the aftermath of the Second World War and ended with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Eastern BlocCold War coalition of communist states
GeopoliticsGeopolitics (from Ancient Greek γῆ gê 'earth, land' and πολιτική politikḗ 'politics') is the study of the effects of Earth's geography on politics and international relations.
Cold War IIRelated word or term.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.