What effect did the Soviet-Afghan War have on the global Cold War context?

The Soviet-Afghan War intensified the Cold War tensions and hastened the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The Soviet-Afghan War, which lasted from 1979 to 1989, had a profound impact on the global Cold War context. It not only intensified the existing tensions between the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, but also hastened the collapse of the latter, marking a significant turning point in the Cold War.

The war began when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in December 1979 to support the communist government against the Mujahideen resistance. This move was perceived by the West, particularly the United States, as an aggressive expansion of communism, thereby exacerbating the Cold War tensions. The US, under the Carter and Reagan administrations, responded by providing substantial financial and military aid to the Mujahideen, making the conflict a proxy war between the two superpowers.

The war also had a significant economic impact on the Soviet Union. The cost of maintaining a large military presence in Afghanistan, coupled with the economic sanctions imposed by the West, put a severe strain on the Soviet economy. This economic pressure, along with the political pressure from the international community and the domestic unrest caused by the war, contributed to the weakening of the Soviet Union.

Furthermore, the war exposed the limitations of the Soviet military power. Despite having a superior military, the Soviets were unable to defeat the Mujahideen, who were supported by the US and other countries. This not only damaged the Soviet Union's international reputation but also demoralised its military and citizenry, further weakening its hold on power.

In addition, the war led to a shift in the global balance of power. The defeat of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan marked the beginning of the end of the Cold War, as it signalled the decline of the Soviet Union as a global superpower. This shift was further cemented by the subsequent withdrawal of the Soviet Union from Eastern Europe and the eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

In conclusion, the Soviet-Afghan War had a profound impact on the global Cold War context. It not only intensified the Cold War tensions but also hastened the collapse of the Soviet Union, marking a significant turning point in the Cold War.