The last days of the superpower

Lynne Mckinlay

Since the End of the Soviet Union in 1991, the US has remained the only global superpower. Whilst the Soviet Union, concentrated on increasing its global power though increasing its nuclear strength. The US concentrated, on its economic strength in the world, which in turn increased in strength as a military power. . As the Soviet Union looked inwards for it power, the United State increased its position through expansion into the worlds markets. During the Cold War Period there was, a close encounter in the Cuba missile crisis , though no direct confrontation between these two superpower occurred , only support behind, countries engaged in conflict with one another , which America and the Soviet Union backed respectively to the ideology of capitalism or communism being advocated. The aftermath of the Soviet Union on Russia witnessed the decrease of its power as a superpower, though still a nuclear Power, the economy of Russia was left in such a state that it had no choice but to become dependent out with its borders.

. Russia is now in a position to repay all its post soviet era debt. Economically it is striving. The Privatisation of the oil market saw former members of the communist party, who were most advantaged in the voucher scheme imposed after the collapse of communism becoming over night billionaires. Moscow is now cited as the most expensive city to live in.

The relationship between the United States and Russia has changed significantly from becoming ideological enemies, to a position of dominance and dependence, to one now of more interdependent relationship. Whilst the case is that the United States is still more powerful a force, its position to have economic influence of Russia has diminished. One of the main differences between the two is the quickness that Russia is able to go through transitions. The US on the other hand has seen its political landscape remain stable; Russia has over the last 100 years had a far more colourful account from tsars to Putins rule of presidential decree. When needed Russia is able to adapt will the US?

The current main strength that gives Russia, the chance to exert its self as a dominant force on the international scene is the countries gas reserves. Though the need for these resources is just as with Russia’s need to sell them. The relationship between the two is strained in what is saw from the US has Russia failure to embrace democracy. However where the US could have compelled Russia now they have to convince

Through out history Super powers come and go, ( you don’t here much about Mongolia as a super power now) this is the united states turn , to no longer be the dominant single voice in world politics, With the political landscape shaped in only their economic interests. The fear is though as the first and most successful super power of recent times, that the whole structure of international politics is geared up for there interests. However it is precisely this that will enable, other states, to hold leverage over the United States. If we rewind back to 911, the position of the US, was one where it really could not have cared less about world opinion or support and while the case is they still have little respect for it, they do realise that due to the increased economic strength of China and India (especially with the opening of the borders, Russia’s, re-emergence, the Creation of nuclear states of India and Pakistan) that they will have to compromise and allow more concession than they previously would have.