Cold War, Russia, China: Geopolitics, Economy, and Foreign Policy

What role did geopolitics play in Russia's development?

Russia's vast territory and few natural barriers made it difficult to defend and vulnerable to invasions.

How did Russia's climate affect its development?

Harsh climate and rough terrain hindered development but also served as barriers between neighboring countries.

What was Russia's focus in terms of territorial expansion?

Russia prioritized buffer zones and focused on expansion, mostly in the West.

What tools of foreign policy do China, Russia, and North Korea use?

Diplomacy, economic tools, military powers, and other actions.

How does China maintain its global influence?

By maintaining embassies worldwide, participating in the UN, and using high-level summits.

What is the Belt Road Initiative?

China invests in ports and infrastructure in Asia, Africa, and Europe.

How does Russia use energy exports as a foreign policy tool?

Russia uses oil and gas exports as leverage, particularly in Europe.

What military actions has Russia taken to assert regional influence?

Russia invaded Ukraine and conducted military interventions in Syria.

What was the main conflict during the Cold War?

The conflict was between the USA and Russia, primarily due to opposing ideologies.

What is the Iron Curtain?

A division after WWII separating communist Eastern Europe from democratic Western Europe.

What was the purpose of the Truman Doctrine?

To stop the spread of communism by providing aid to threatened countries.

What was the Marshall Plan?

A program to rebuild war-torn European economies to prevent communist takeovers.

What was NATO?

A military alliance where an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.

What was the significance of the Berlin Airlift?

It prevented West Berlin from falling under communist control without direct military conflict.

What type of political system did the Soviet Union have during the Cold War?

An authoritarian state controlled by communists with no free elections.

How did the economic system of the Soviet Union differ from that of the USA?

The Soviet Union had a planned economy with government control, while the USA had capitalism with private ownership.

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What was the aim of the containment policy developed by the US?

To limit the spread of communism where it already existed.

What was the arms race during the Cold War?

A competition between the U.S. and USSR to build larger and more powerful nuclear weapons.

What does MAD stand for?

Mutually Assured Destruction, a doctrine that nuclear war would destroy both sides.

How did communism collapse in the Soviet Union?

Through reforms introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev, including glasnost and perestroika.

What is glasnost?

A policy of openness that allowed free speech and criticism of the government in the Soviet Union.

What is perestroika?

A policy of restructuring the economy in the Soviet Union, reducing government control.

What was Perestroika?

A reform that reduced government control over the economy in the Soviet Union, causing shortages and instability.

What happened in 1991 regarding the Soviet Union?

The Soviet Union officially collapsed, and Russia became an independent nation.

Who became Russia's first president?

Boris Yeltsin.

What is shock therapy in the context of Russia's transition?

A rapid transition from a planned economy to capitalism.

What was the effect of privatization in Russia?

State-owned industries were sold to private owners, leading to increased inflation, unemployment, and economic inequality.

How did Vladimir Putin change Russia's government?

He centralized authority, reduced the political power of oligarchs, and weakened democracy.

What was the role of oligarchs during Putin's presidency?

Opposition oligarchs were jailed or exiled, while loyal ones retained their wealth.

What were the constitutional changes made by Putin?

Laws and amendments allowed him to extend his time in power.

What foreign policy actions did Putin take?

He annexed Crimea and intervened militarily in Syria.

What was the dynastic cycle in Chinese history?

A recurring pattern where dynasties rise and fall, with a new dynasty taking over.

What is the Mandate of Heaven?

The belief that heaven grants the right to rule to just emperors, lost through corruption or failure.

What are the fundamental principles of Confucianism?

Filial piety, five relationships, and the belief in the basic goodness of human nature.

What is Legalism?

A philosophy emphasizing strict laws and punishments to maintain order.

What does Daoism emphasize?

Harmony with nature and the concept of 'the way' (Dao).

What were some important achievements during China's Dynastic period?

The Great Wall, Silk Road, printing, gunpowder, compass, paper, and civil service exams.

What was the Canton System?

A system that limited Western trade to the port of Canton, controlling foreign merchants.

What was the Treaty of Nanking?

A treaty that ended the Opium War, forcing China to open ports and cede Hong Kong.

Who was Sun Yat Sen?

A revolutionary leader who overthrew the Qing Dynasty and founded the Nationalist Party.

What are the Three People's Principles?

Nationalism, democracy, and people's livelihood.

What was the outcome of the Chinese Civil War?

The Chinese Communist Party won, leading to the establishment of the People's Republic of China.

What was the relationship between Mao Zedong and Chiang Kai-Shek after Sun Yat Sen's death?

Mao emerged as a leader of the CCP, while Chiang led the KMT, leading to civil war.

What happened to the Nationalist Party after the Chinese Civil War?

They retreated to Taiwan after being defeated on the mainland.

What policies did Mao Zedong implement in China?

He instituted a series of five-year plans and other policies to transform the economy.

What was the purpose of Land Reform in China during the late 1940s-1950s?

Land was taken from landlords and redistributed to peasants, reducing feudal power and increasing peasant support for Communists.

What was the effect of the First Five-Year Plan (1953-1957) in China?

It focused on rapid industrialization and collectivization, expanding industry and building infrastructure but causing inefficiencies and straining agriculture.

What was the Hundred Flowers Campaign (1956-1957) in China?

It encouraged citizens to voice criticism of the government but led to a crackdown on critics when dissent grew.

What was the Great Leap Forward (1958-1962) and its outcome?

It attempted to rapidly modernize agriculture and industry but resulted in massive economic failure and famine, causing millions of deaths.

What was the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) in China?

Mao sought to remove 'counter-revolutionary' elements and enforce Communist ideology, leading to social chaos and persecution of intellectuals.

How did Deng Xiaoping change China's economy?

He shifted focus away from Mao's radical policies while maintaining Communist Party control, leading to a market-oriented economy.

What is the Contract Responsibility System in China?

It allowed farmers to keep surplus crops after meeting quotas, increasing agricultural productivity.

What are Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in China?

Areas like Shenzhen opened to foreign investment and market-oriented reforms.

What was the impact of Tiananmen Square (1989) on China's politics?

It demonstrated the Party's willingness to use force to preserve political stability, maintaining strict one-party rule.

What is the ethnic makeup of China?

The Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group (~92%), with 56 official minority groups including Tibetans and Uighurs.

What is a basic belief of Buddhists?

Buddhism focuses on enlightenment, karma, reincarnation, and escaping suffering through moral living and meditation.

What impact has Buddhism had on Tibet?

Tibetan Buddhism became central to culture and identity, with the Dalai Lama as both spiritual and political leader.

What tensions exist between Tibetan Buddhists and the Chinese government?

China's control over Tibet and restrictions on religious practice create conflict.

What is the role of Islam in China?

Practiced mainly by Uighurs and Hui people, influencing culture and daily life.

What tensions exist regarding Islam in China?

Chinese government policies, such as re-education camps and surveillance, have caused conflict and international criticism.

How did Xi Jinping consolidate power in China?

He eliminated rivals, strengthened party control, and amended the constitution for indefinite leadership.

What is the Belt and Road Initiative?

A massive global infrastructure and trade project to expand China's influence.

What is the relationship between North and South Korea?

They are separated despite shared language and culture due to historical division after WWII and the Korean War.

What was the Korean War (1950-1953)?

A conflict where North Korea invaded South Korea, leading to a brutal war and ongoing division.

What is the DMZ?

The Demilitarized Zone is the buffer zone established after the Korean War, marking the division between North and South Korea.

What are the major differences between North and South Korea?

North Korea is a single-party authoritarian state with a state-controlled economy, while South Korea has a democratic government and a market-based economy.

What is the impact of the Kim family leadership on North Korea?

Three generations have maintained authoritarian rule, promoted military-first policies, and isolated the country from the international community.

What is North Korea's relationship with China?

China is North Korea's main ally and trading partner, providing economic support while being frustrated by its nuclear tests.

What is North Korea's relationship with the United States?

It is tense and adversarial, centered on nuclear weapons and sanctions.

What role does the United Nations play regarding North Korea?

The UN imposes sanctions for nuclear weapons and human rights violations, monitoring missile tests and humanitarian issues.

What challenges do North Korean defectors face?

Many escape to South Korea or China, highlighting human rights abuses and increasing international criticism.

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