What are the legacies of the Cold War?

The legacies of the Cold War include the enduring geopolitical tensions between the United States and Russia, as well as the proliferation of nuclear weapons, which continues to shape global security dynamics. Additionally, many regions experienced political upheaval and conflicts fueled by Cold War rivalries, leading to long-lasting instability in places like the Middle East and Latin America. The ideological divide between capitalism and communism has also left a lasting impact on global political and economic systems. Finally, the Cold War's conclusion spurred the expansion of NATO and the European Union, redefining alliances and power structures in the post-Cold War world.