Aftermath:
Although the Cold War had been over for over 20 years, we can still see its legacy today.
- The NATO was a byproduct of the Cold War, it still exists today and Canada is an active member. However, there are debates as to whether or not if the American - dominated NATO still serves a purpose.
- The gap of wealth between Eastern and Western Europe is still apparent. When compared to the West, the Eastern European economy is rather weak and its industrial strength not as great
- Nations such as the United States and Russia were left with huge debts
- Nuclear stockpiles left over from the Cold War has not been destroyed. Thus the possibility of nuclear war did not disappear along with the Cold War
- Advancements in nuclear technology during the Cold War later facilitated the use of nuclear power for non - military purposes such as for nuclear energy
- International tensions were alleviated but still exist, especially between former Soviet - friendly nations and American - friendly nations
- Foreign policies of many nations are still based upon militaristic might. Consequently some international disputes are still dominated by it
- Millions of refugees were displaced from their native countries due to proxy wars, especially in Southeast Asia