Published on 24 Oct 2025
Geopolitical Battleground: The Suez Crisis (1956) showcased West Asia's strategic importance as the Suez Canal became a focal point of Cold War competition.
Ideological Struggles: Cold War superpowers, the USA and the USSR supported ideologically aligned governments in the region.
Example: The USA supported anti-communist regimes like Saudi Arabia and Iran, while the USSR backed Arab socialist governments like Egypt and Syria.
Arms Race and Military Buildup: The USA and the USSR supplied military aid and technology to West Asian nations, escalating regional arms races.
Example: USA supported Israel's military, while the USSR provided arms to Arab states, intensifying conflicts like the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Energy Resources and Economic Influence: West Asia's vast oil reserves made it a crucial battleground for economic dominance.
Example: The USA's interest in securing oil resources ensured its support for governments favourable to American interests, like Saudi Arabia.
Regional Instabilities and Proxy Wars: Superpowers supplied military aid, fueling regional arms races.
Example: The Iran-Iraq War was influenced by Cold War dynamics, with the USA providing support to Iraq, while Iran leaned on the USSR.
Rise of Militant Groups: The Afghan War against Soviet forces led to the emergence of jihadist groups, playing a role in shaping West Asia's security landscape.
Example: The rise of Al-Qaeda.
Superpower Competition for Influence: The competition between the USA and the USSR to gain influence in West Asia led to the provision of economic and military aid to governments, contributing to the political dynamics of the region.
The Cold War's Legacy on West Asia Today: West Asia's contemporary conflicts and rivalries have roots in the Cold War era and continue to shape the region's geopolitics
History & Culture
Impact of the Cold War on the Rise of West Asia
cold war
The Suez Crisis
Ideological Struggles
USA
USSR
Soviet union
united states
Arab Israeli conflict
Regional Instabilities and Proxy Wars
Iran Iraq war
Al Queda
Syrian Civil War
Iran Saudi Arabia tensions
General Studies Paper 1
World History
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