... which ultimately led to the breakdown in US-Soviet relations. It was primarily in Europe where the two superpowers chose to assert their interests in order to protect their borders from future threats. In 1945 numerous states suffered defeat and there was an obvious shift in the balance of power in favour of the US and the Soviet Union. In understanding international relations it is important to understand the domestic situation of these two superpowers following the defeat of Fascism. The US emerged from the war economically and militarily superior to any other power and moreover held a monopoly over atomic weapons. The US wanted to retain the Grand Alliance and avoid spheres of influence in Europe but at the same time achieve a beneficial peace settlement which would in the long-term improve the US economy. For the US reverting back to isolationism was an inconceivable concept in the post war ...

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