At the end of World War II in 1945, differences in methods of post-war development escalated to a standoff between the US and the USSR, often known as the Cold War. Process differences were exhibited as ideological differences between Capitalism and Socialism, and allies were networked to take sides, leading to an environment of distrust and tension. While no war took place, rivalry surfaced through coalitions, espionage, proxy warfare, nuclear arms race, and the space race. During the four decades of its presence, the cold war had a staggering impact -- finances flowed into ’national security’ at the cost of human development, education, and health, stunting growth of nations worldwide. It is estimated that 8 Trillion Dollars (USD 8,000,000,000,000) was spent worldwide to create 18 billion tons of explosive energy, as compared to 6 billion that was used during the entire WWII! Though the stated objective was “global harmony”, both sides funded many terrorist groups creating significant regional problems.
Cold wars continue in spirit--in and between countries, organizations, within families, and in relationships. Personality conflicts, infighting, collusion, conspiracy, and ’friendly fire’ create wasteful tension, expenditure, and lack of focus on duty, outcomes, and services. It is important to face the mountain, however large it may seem, than to regress and degenerate. Strong association and true bonding provides psychological, physical, and social stability. |
