Discuss the role of the Six-Day War in the Cold War.

The Six-Day War played a significant role in the Cold War by intensifying the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union.

The Six-Day War, fought in June 1967 between Israel and its Arab neighbours, was a significant event in the context of the Cold War. It was not just a regional conflict, but also a proxy war that reflected the global power struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union. Both superpowers had vested interests in the Middle East due to its strategic importance and oil resources, and they supported different sides in the war. The US backed Israel, while the USSR supported the Arab states, including Egypt, Syria, and Jordan.

The war had several implications for the Cold War. Firstly, it intensified the rivalry between the US and the USSR. The swift victory of Israel, a US ally, over the Soviet-backed Arab states was a blow to Soviet prestige. It demonstrated the superiority of American military technology and tactics, as Israel used American-made weapons and was trained by American advisors. This increased the credibility and influence of the US in the Middle East and other parts of the world.

Secondly, the war led to an arms race in the Middle East, which was a microcosm of the global arms race between the US and the USSR. After the war, the Soviet Union increased its military aid to the Arab states to rebuild their armed forces and to counter the perceived threat from Israel. The US, in turn, increased its military support to Israel. This escalation of arms supplies not only heightened tensions in the Middle East, but also contributed to the overall militarisation of the Cold War.

Thirdly, the war complicated the diplomacy of the Cold War. The US and the USSR had to manage their relations with their respective allies in the Middle East, while also trying to prevent the regional conflict from escalating into a direct confrontation between them. The war also led to a shift in the balance of power in the Middle East, which required a reassessment of Cold War strategies and alliances.

In conclusion, the Six-Day War played a significant role in the Cold War. It intensified the US-Soviet rivalry, led to an arms race in the Middle East, and complicated Cold War diplomacy. The war was not just a regional conflict, but a manifestation of the global power struggle between the two superpowers.