Question

In 3–5 sentences, analyze the ways in which the Cold War contributed to racial and ethnic tensions in former European colonies.

Answer 1

The Cold War created a power struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union, leading both countries to support and intervene in conflicts in former European colonies. This interference often exacerbated existing racial and ethnic tensions, as rival factions within these colonies were armed and funded by superpower allies. Additionally, Cold War geopolitics influenced the decolonization process, with former colonial powers often supporting regimes that oppressed minority groups in order to maintain influence in the region. This manipulation of local conflicts for global political gain deepened divisions along racial and ethnic lines and perpetuated instability in former European colonies.