During the Cold War, Russia, or the Soviet Union as it was known at the time, had several fears that shaped its policies and actions. One of the primary concerns was the threat posed by the United States and its allies. The Soviet leadership was apprehensive about the potential for military confrontation and the spread of capitalism, which they viewed as a direct challenge to the communist ideology.
One major fear was the possibility of a nuclear war. The arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union led to the stockpiling of nuclear weapons, and the looming threat of mutual destruction created a climate of anxiety. The Soviets were particularly worried about the U.S. developing missile technology that could target them effectively, as well as the deployment of NATO forces in Europe.
Additionally, the Soviet Union was concerned about the influence of Western culture and ideas, which they believed could undermine the communist regime. The spread of political dissent and the potential for uprisings in Eastern Europe were also significant fears, especially after events like the Hungarian Revolution in 1956 and the Prague Spring in 1968.
In summary, Russia’s fears during the Cold War revolved around military threats from the West, the impact of nuclear weapons, the spread of capitalism and democratic ideals, and the risk of internal dissent. These fears drove the Soviet Union’s policies and its efforts to expand its sphere of influence globally.