COLD WARRIOR Meaning and
Definition
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A "cold warrior" refers to an individual who actively participated in or supported the ideological and geopolitical struggles characteristic of the Cold War. The Cold War was a period of intense rivalry and tension between the United States and its allies (known as the Western Bloc) and the Soviet Union and its allies (known as the Eastern Bloc) that lasted from the end of World War II to the early 1990s.
This term typically refers to those who strongly advocated for aggressive policies, military buildups, and political strategies with the aim of countering or opposing the spread of communism. Cold warriors believed in the superiority of their own ideological system, typically democracy and capitalism, and deemed it essential to confront and contain the expansion of the opposing communist ideology. They often propagated the notion of a zero-sum game, believing that gains for one side meant losses for the other.
Cold warriors were often associated with intelligence agencies, military establishments, and political think tanks. They were deeply involved in shaping foreign policies, engaging in propaganda campaigns, and orchestrating covert operations. They strived to create alliances, support anti-communist insurgencies, promote democratic governance, and took part in various diplomatic negotiations and summits.
While the term initially referred to those actively engaged during the Cold War period, it can also be metaphorically extended to individuals in contemporary times who continue to uphold a confrontational mindset and maintain adversarial approaches in international relations, prioritizing national security interests and opposing perceived threats.
Etymology of COLD WARRIOR
The term "Cold Warrior" originated in the context of the Cold War, a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union from the late 1940s to the late 1980s. The term itself emerged during the early years of the Cold War and was used to describe individuals, particularly politicians, military personnel, or intellectuals, who actively participated in or advocated for a strong stance against communism and the Soviet Union.
The word "Cold" in "Cold Warrior" refers to the Cold War itself, a figurative use of the term to describe the lack of direct military conflict between the two superpowers, although tensions were high. The "Warrior" component emphasizes the combative nature and active engagement against communist ideologies and the perceived threats posed by the Soviet Union and its allies.
