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Brinkmanship
A foreign policy strategy in which the United States and the Soviet Union would escalate dangerous disputes to the edge of all-out war in order to force the other side to back down
Containment
US policy aiming to stop the spread of communism.
Containment
The strategy of stopping communist expansion through alliances, aid, and limited military action.
Détente
Détente was a period during the Cold War in the 1970s when the USA and USSR sought to reduce tensions and improve relations through diplomacy, arms control, and trade agreements.
It included initiatives such as the SALT treaties, increased cultural exchanges, and efforts to avoid direct military confrontation between the superpowers.
Flexible Response
The Flexible Response policy, introduced by President John F. Kennedy, aimed to give the United States a range of military options, from conventional forces to nuclear weapons, to respond to communist threats.
It was designed to avoid automatic nuclear escalation, allowing the US to tailor its response to the severity of a conflict while maintaining deterrence.
ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence)
Pakistani intelligence agency coordinating support for the mujahedeen.
Mutually Assured Destruction
Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) was a Cold War doctrine in which both the USA and USSR maintained large nuclear arsenals capable of completely destroying each other if either launched an attack.
The threat of total annihilation acted as a deterrent, preventing either side from initiating a nuclear war.
PDPA
Afghan communist party that took power in 1978 and requested Soviet assistance.
Propaganda
Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view. States use propaganda through media, education, and public events to shape public opinion.
Proxy war
A conflict in which major powers support opposing sides through military aid, funding, or advisors rather than fighting each other directly.
Spheres of Influence
Areas of the world where a great power claims exclusive or dominant influence over the political and economic affairs of other states.
Ultimatum
a final demand or statement of terms issued by one party to another, with the threat of serious consequences if the terms are not accepted.
Yalu River
Border river between China and North Korea, critical to Chinese security.