What long-term effect did the Cold War have on global politics?

The long-term effect of the Cold War on global politics is best captured by the strengthening of national and regional conflicts. The ideological struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union often manifested in various regions around the world, leading to a series of proxy wars, revolutions, and conflicts in places like Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and several African and Latin American nations.

During the Cold War, superpowers supported opposing sides in these conflicts, exacerbating tensions and often prolonging hostilities. This involvement reinforced existing national and regional disputes and created new ones, as local grievances were entangled with the global ideological battle between capitalism and communism. The legacy of the Cold War is still evident today, as many of these historical conflicts continue to impact current geopolitical relationships and tensions.

The other options do not accurately reflect the broad outcomes of the Cold War era. While there were some trade agreements developed in its aftermath, they were often overshadowed by the focus on military alliances and deterrence strategies. The formation of numerous peace treaties occurred, but many were more about managing conflicts rather than resolving them entirely. Additionally, the economic competition between nations did not decline; rather, it shifted and evolved, continuing to influence global politics and economics in the ensuing decades. Thus