Why This ‘Cold War’ Is Different

The Cold War between the vanquished Soviet Union and the United States was simple and straightforward. Military power was balanced by mutually assured destruction. The two sides argued, feared and created myths about each other.

The world survived the showdownbecause we depended upon both Russia and America acting rational. We feared accidents or miscommunication, but believed that survival would leave both sides to fight another day.

Competition was relegated to military, ideology and symbolism. There were only two competitors, with other nations in supporting roles.

A form of Cold War continues today. Angry rhetoric, provocative acts and the questioning of deed and intent shape the discussion. The participants do not trust each other. Political shae ups in Britain, France and Germany, with imminent change in Russia and the U.S., not to mention the addition of China and India as world powers, complicates the dialogue. More