The two superpowers and the countries in the rival blocs led by the superpowers were expected to behave as rational and responsible actors. “When two superpowers and the blocs led by them are in a deterrence relationship, fighting war will be massively destructive.”

Responsibility, therefore, meant being restrained and avoiding the rise of another world war. Then some, the cold war marveled to ensure human sorrier.

The Emergence of Two Power Blocs

The two superpowers were expanding their sphere of influence in different parts of the world. The smaller states allied themselves with the superpower for their purpose. The alliums system divided the world into two camps e.g. Europe.

The Western alliance was formalized into an Aliana – NATO (April 1949)

N.A.T.O. – An association of 12 states declared that an armed attack on any one of them in Europe or North American would be regarded as an attack on all of them. Each of these states would be offered to help other.