Soviet expansion from "summary" of Iron Curtain by Anne Applebaum
Soviet expansion was not simply a military or territorial strategy; it was a comprehensive ideological project. The Soviet Union sought to spread not just its borders but its entire way of life, including its political system, its economic model, and its social norms. This expansion was driven by a belief in the superiority of communism and a desire to create a global network of like-minded states. One of the key tools of Soviet expansion was the establishment of satellite states in Eastern Europe. These countries were nominally independent but were effectively controlled by Moscow, which installed communist governments and imposed Soviet-style economic and social policies. The Soviet Union used these satellite states as a buffer zone against the West and as a means of spreading its influence further into Europe. The process of Soviet expansion was not limited to Europe, however. The Soviet Union also sought to extend its reach into other parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Through a combination of military intervention, political manipulation, and economic assistance, the Soviet Union sought to establish friendly regimes in these regions and counter Western influence. Soviet expansion was not without its challenges, however. Resistance to Soviet rule in Eastern Europe was widespread, leading to uprisings in countries such as Hungary and Czechoslovakia. In other parts of the world, the Soviet Union faced competition from the United States and its allies, leading to proxy conflicts such as the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Despite these challenges, Soviet expansion had a lasting impact on the world. The division of Europe into East and West, the establishment of communist regimes in countries around the globe, and the ongoing tensions between the superpowers all stemmed from the Soviet Union's desire to expand its influence and spread its ideology. The legacy of Soviet expansion continues to shape global politics to this day.
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