The claim that the Cold War’s structure was shaped by decades of ideological and military competition, rather than the USSR’s collapse, aligns with historical analysis. Sources like *The Cold War: A Very Short Introduction* (ResearchGate) highlight how U.S. policies evolved over decades, driven by internal ideologies and external pressures. Similarly, a Studocu module frames the Cold War as a “five-decade struggle,” emphasizing its prolonged nature. These perspectives suggest the conflict was a dynamic interplay of forces, not a single event.

While the USSR’s dissolution was a pivotal moment, it was the culmination of long-term tensions—economic strains, ideological shifts, and geopolitical miscalculations. The Cambridge article on Cold War culture also notes how “shifting borders and ideological landscapes” created enduring divisions. Acknowledging both the gradual build-up and the USSR’s collapse as critical points allows for a balanced view.

History is rarely shaped by one factor alone. The Cold War’s legacy lies in its complexity, where decades of rivalry and the eventual Soviet dissolution together defined its arc.

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