This refers to the dominant position of the United States in global affairs, particularly after World War II. It is characterized by its military strength, economic influence, and cultural impact around the world.
Think of it like being the quarterback on a football team. The quarterback often has the most influence over how a game plays out - they make key decisions, have control over the ball most of the time, and their performance can greatly affect whether their team wins or loses. Similarly, as a global superpower, the U.S. has significant influence over international events and trends.
Cold War: A period of geopolitical tension between two superpowers - The United States and Soviet Union - from 1947 to 1991. It was characterized by political conflict, military tension, proxy wars but no direct warfare between these two powers.
Pax Americana: A term referring to the relative peace in the Western world since WWII due to U.S.'s political and military dominance.
Unipolarity: A distribution of power in which one state exercises most of cultural, economic and military influence.
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