Changes in policy in the Far East and Asia after the Second World War. How did key regions of the world develop after World War II? Near and Middle East

Second World War led to major political changes throughout the world, including in the Far East and South-East Asia. While the war was going on, the peoples colonial countries And ruling circles imperialist powers that were part of the anti-fascist coalition fought against common enemy, and this to a certain extent smoothed out the sharpness of the contradictions between them. As victory approached and especially after it, the intransigence of their fundamental interests became increasingly acute and became important. political factor, which largely determined the development of events in this part of the world.

The United States took a special position in relation to the countries of the “colonial periphery”, which in words advocated their political liberation, but in reality sought to oust, and if possible, replace its European competitors and secure a predominant position in these countries. American propaganda strongly emphasized that, unlike Great Britain, France and the Netherlands, the United States of America had always been an “anti-colonial” country (944). However, in the Philippines, representatives of the American military and civil administration acted in the same way. as did the colonial authorities of other imperialist powers in their domains. US officials restricted democratic organizations in every possible way, disarmed the detachments of patriots who took an active part in the liberation of the Philippines, etc. At the same time, they essentially did nothing to solve the agrarian problem, which was the most acute for the vast majority of the population of the Philippines - peasantry (945).

When choosing areas of penetration and obtaining preferential rights, American political and military circles proceeded from the interests of US monopoly capital in the post-war period. Strategic interests were also taken into account: military bases in the annexed Japanese mandate territories allowed the United States to turn Pacific Ocean to the "American Lake". Supporters of a more cautious policy proposed not to resort to direct annexation, but to achieve control over these territories, using the institution of trusteeship as a replacement for the “classical” form of colonialism with a new one, which would first allow the elimination of the preferential positions of the European metropolises in their possessions, and then, using economic and financial levers, gain access to new sources of raw materials and markets.

Naturally, the US desire to oust European states from their possessions in the Far East and Southeast Asia was met with extreme disapproval in the capitals of the “old” colonial powers. Inter-imperialist contradictions became a serious factor determining the political climate in Southeast Asia and the Far East after the end of the Second World War.

There were certain disagreements between the “old” colonial powers, but in the specific situation that developed in this area by the end of 1945, they were relegated to the background. At the time of Japan's surrender, neither France nor the Netherlands had armed forces that would allow them to independently fight the national liberation movement. Their units were too small in number and were completely dependent on the British army for logistics. In view of this, France and the Netherlands were forced to rely on British assistance.

For their part, the British authorities sought to support these colonial powers in the fight against the national liberation revolutions in Vietnam and Indonesia, fearing their spread to the British colonies.

The joint actions of London, Paris and Amsterdam against peoples demanding independence were another important feature of the political situation in the Far East and Southeast Asia. The class solidarity of the imperialists in the face of the impending general crisis of the colonial system became a more significant factor than the differences within their camp.

The solution to Far Eastern issues was also complicated by the reluctance of certain circles in the USA and Great Britain to cooperate with the USSR, although the experience of the war showed that agreement on problems of such a scale could only be achieved with the participation of Soviet Union. Realistically minded Americans realized that attempts to remove the USSR from discussing Far Eastern issues were doomed to failure. But further steps by the White House showed that the policy of isolating the Soviet Union prevailed there.

Iran

During World War II, the territory of northern Iran was occupied by Soviet troops, and southern Iran by British troops. The military presence of the USSR provoked movements for the autonomy of Iranian Azerbaijan and Iranian Kurdistan. In the second half of 1945, autonomies of Azerbaijanis and Kurds were created in the zone where the Red Army was located. However, after the withdrawal of Soviet troops, the Iranian government liquidated these autonomies.

IN post-war period the rise has begun in Iran national movement. IN economic field this was expressed in the nationalization of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company in 1951, the expulsion of all British specialists from it and the taking control of the oil industry. IN political sphere this found expression in the firm desire to maintain neutrality in the Cold War. However, at that stage Iran was defeated in the struggle for its oil. In 1953, a military coup removed the nationalist government from power.

Soon after the coup, Iran received generous military and economic assistance from the United States, agreed to the creation of an international consortium for the production and export of Iranian oil and took the side of the West in the Cold War.

After 1953, Chess managed to gradually strengthen its regime and establish a monarchical dictatorship. In the early 60s, the Shah decided on large-scale reforms aimed at modernizing the country along Western lines. From 1963 to 1975, changes were carried out that were called the “white revolution” because they were carried out from above.

In a short period of time, high-tech industries emerged in the country - mechanical engineering, metallurgy, and automobile manufacturing. The standard of living of the population has increased significantly. began to penetrate into traditional Iranian society western culture. Restaurants, bars, cinemas, and video libraries that are incompatible with Islamic norms have opened in Iranian cities. The clergy began to oppose the Shah's reforms.

In 1975, the Shah, in order to clear the way for reforms, banned the activities of all political parties in the country. The clergy began active anti-Shah propaganda in mosques and among believers.

By the end of the 70s, a deep socio-political crisis had matured in the country. It became obvious that the course towards accelerated modernization not only did not help to alleviate the contradictions in society, but, on the contrary, exacerbated them even more.

This led to the Iranian revolution of 1978-1979. The main result of the revolution was the overthrow of the power of the Shah and the proclamation in Iran Islamic Republic(April 1, 1979). The most came to power conservative representatives Muslim clergy. The Islamization of all spheres of society began.

Some Iranian leaders have become carried away by the idea of ​​exporting the Islamic revolution. Soon a conflict arose with Iraq, which resulted in the war of 1980-1988. The war, which caused colossal destruction and casualties, did not bring victory to either side.

The first post-war years were marked by the review of the country's development concept. Supervision over the press was weakened, the creation of opposition groups was allowed political organizations. The results of this process were immediately felt - the Republican People's Party, which was created by M. Kemal and continuously ruled the country for more than a quarter of a century, lost its monopoly on power. In 1950, victory in parliamentary elections received by the opposition. Since then, a real multi-party system has finally formed in Turkey.

During the Cold War, Türkiye took the side of Western countries. In 1948, she joined the Marshall Plan. In 1952, Turkey joined NATO and took an active part in the creation of the Baghdad Pact (1954).

A characteristic feature of post-war Turkey is that the army plays a leading role in the socio-political life of the country. The Turkish army considers itself a guarantor of stability in the state. Repeatedly the military took power into their own hands or carried out force pressure on the government.

In the 1980s, Türkiye began to implement economic reforms, whose “father” was T. Ozal. Ozal's program was based on the idea of ​​the need to liberalize the economy and strengthen market relations. The end result was the transformation of Turkey into a full member of the European Economic Community (EEC). True, this goal has not been achieved today.

The implementation of the Özal program allowed Turkey to achieve high rates of economic development, sharply increase the production of electricity, steel, automobile production and household appliances, clothes and shoes. By the end of the 80s, Turkish exports increased 4 times compared to 1980, and the share of industrial products in exports increased from 35% to 80%. However, for a number of socio-economic indicators, Türkiye lags significantly behind Western countries. Unemployment remains an acute problem (5 million people). Growing social tensions were intensified by the conflict official authorities with Kurdish rebels.

The role of the Islamic factor in the development of Turkish society is increasing. In the early parliamentary elections of 2002, the Islamist Justice and Development Party won.

Afghanistan

In the post-war period, Afghanistan remained an agricultural country. Up to 3/4 of cultivated land was owned by landowners. The expansion of foreign capital has intensified in the country. Economic difficulties caused an aggravation of social contradictions.

In the 50s, the government proclaimed a policy of “managed economy”, within the framework of which important transformations of the state-capitalist type were carried out: strengthening control over foreign trade, expanding the credit system through the creation of new banks, expanding the construction program with the participation of the state. In 1956, a five-year economic development plan was adopted. Of great importance was the abolition in 1959 of the compulsory wearing of the veil by women. The economic measures taken contributed to the capitalist evolution of the country.

In 1973, an anti-monarchist coup took place. Royal power in the country was eliminated, and Afghanistan was proclaimed a republic. However, subsequent years did not bring significant changes to Afghan society. The internal political situation in the country was heating up. The opposition strengthened, on the left flank of which was the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA).

In April 1978, a revolution took place, as a result of which the PDPA came to power. The country was named - Democratic Republic Afghanistan. The new leadership put forward a program of revolutionary changes, which included the implementation of land reform, the elimination of illiteracy and the emancipation of women. These government steps aroused dissatisfaction and resistance from Islamic fundamentalists and tribal nobility. A rebellion began. By the summer of 1979, the rebels already controlled a significant part of the country's rural areas. The positions of the PDPA government have been shaken.

On December 25, 1979, Soviet troops invaded Afghanistan in order to support the PDPA government. A long war began, causing enormous material losses in Afghanistan, leading to the death of 1 million people, mass migration of the population (the number of refugees amounted to 3-5 million people), the growth of Islamic fundamentalism and the emergence of the Taliban movement.

After the shift Soviet leadership, from the end of 1986, a phased withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan began, which ended in February 1989. Without Soviet military support, the PDPA regime could not hold out in power for long. In April 1992, power in the country passed into the hands of the former opposition.

But the opposition, which won, turned out to be fragmented (including on ethno-territorial grounds). As military conflicts continued, the Taliban movement came to the fore.

In 1996 the Taliban were defeated government troops and occupied Kabul. Their leader proclaimed himself “Emir of the Faithful” and renamed the country the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.” Through outspoken support international terrorism The Taliban government found itself in international isolation and was overthrown in 2002 as a result of US military intervention.

Formation of the State of Israel. The emergence and aggravation of the Middle East problem

In November 1947 General Assembly The UN decided to create two states on the territory of Palestine, which was under British control: Arab - Palestine and Jewish - Israel. The city of Jerusalem was allocated as a separate international zone. Arabs opposed education Jewish state, sharply increased tension in the Middle East.

Once at the end of British rule in Palestine, on the night of May 14-15, 1948, the creation of the State of Israel was proclaimed. By shape government structure Israel is a republic. The head of state is the president. Higher Legislature- Knesset. Higher executive agency- a government headed by a prime minister, whose role is state life extremely important. The government is subordinate to the Knesset, and judicial branch is independent. The peculiarity of the State of Israel is that from the moment of its proclamation and today it does not have a constitution. It is replaced by a number of legislative acts adopted at different times.

Arab-Israeli wars

Neighboring Arab states did not recognize Israel's statehood. On May 15, 1948, the armies of 7 Arab states invaded its territory. The First Arab-Israeli War began, which is called the Palestinian War, or the Israeli War of Independence. It lasted from May 1948 to January 1949. The war ended with the actual victory of Israel. He managed not only to repel the offensive of Arab forces, but also to annex to his territory 6.7 thousand km2 of territory allocated by the UN for an Arab state, as well as the Western part of Jerusalem. Eastern part of the city and west bank Jordan occupied the Jordan River. Egypt has established control over the Gaza Strip. From the territory of Israel and the lands it occupied, from 500 to 900 thousand Palestinian Arabs emigrated (according to various sources). Thus, along with the birth of the state of Israel, one of the most painful problems of our time arose - the Palestinian problem.

The 1949 agreements with the Arab states did not result in the signing of a peace treaty. These countries continued to view the state of Israel as an unjust action. They organized an economic and political boycott of the Jewish state. Tension continued to rise in the region, intensified by the supply of weapons from outside.

The Second Arab-Israeli War occurred in 1956. In history it is known as the Sinai-Suez War. This war was provoked by the actions of Egyptian President G. Nasser, who in 1956 nationalized the Suez Canal, closing passage through it for Israeli ships. Nasser's actions displeased Great Britain and France, who had their own interests in the zone Suez Canal. These countries agreed to a joint military operation with Israel against Egypt. In October 1956, the combined forces of the three countries began military operations and occupied almost the entire Sinai Peninsula. But the USSR and the USA became embroiled in the conflict. As a result tough political pressure from the “superpowers” ​​Great Britain, France and Israel were forced to withdraw their troops from the territories occupied during the Sinai campaign. Thus, the second Arab-Israeli war ended in the same positions from which it began.

In subsequent years, no real steps were taken to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict. The situation on Israel's borders with Arab world remained difficult. On June 1, 1967, under pressure from the army, the famous General Moshe Dayan became the new Minister of Defense of Israel. And already on June 5, Israel struck preemptive strike across Egypt. The Third Arab-Israeli War began, which went down in history as the Six-Day War. It lasted from June 5 to June 10, 1967. Egypt was supported by other Arab states: Jordan, Syria and Iraq. However, military success was on the side of the Israelis. Within a few hours, their aircraft disabled the Egyptian planes at the airfields, and the troops quickly captured the Gaza Strip and the Sinai Peninsula. Within six days, the Arab military forces were defeated.

The war radically changed the situation in the Middle East. Israel, due to the occupation of new lands, expanded its territory 4 times. He annexed the Sinai Peninsula, the Gaza Strip, the Golan Heights, the West Bank of the Jordan River, and also brought under his control the eastern part of Jerusalem, which was later proclaimed the “eternal and indivisible capital of Israel.” In June 1967, the USSR and its allies stopped diplomatic relations with Israel.

The next stage of the Middle East crisis was the Fourth Arab-Israeli War, which lasted from October 6 to October 24, 1973 and went down in history as the Yom Kippur War. The Arab countries started the war: Egypt and Syria simultaneously launched an offensive in the Suez Canal zone and in the area Golan Heights. After fierce fighting israeli army at the cost of heavy losses, it was possible to stop the advance of the Arab troops and go on the offensive. Formally, the war ended in victory for Israel, which managed to defend the territorial gains of previous years. But this victory came at a high price: the losses amounted to 10 thousand killed and wounded.

The results of the war dealt a powerful blow to the prestige of the Arab world and determined a radical revision of the entire strategy of confrontation with Israel. Egypt went the furthest in revising its policy, having signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1979.

The Arab-Israeli conflict destabilized the situation in Lebanon, where the headquarters of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was located. Since 1975, Lebanon began Civil War between different religious and ethnic communities. In 1982, Israel started the Lebanon War - it launched an armed strike on Lebanon in order to neutralize the Palestinian militant groups located there. Israeli troops occupied southern Lebanon and Beirut. As a result, the Palestinian military presence in Lebanon and created a so-called “security zone” on the Israeli-Lebanese border.

In September 1993, the first Palestinian-Israeli peace agreement was signed on temporary Palestinian autonomy within Israel. In July 1994, Israel signed a peace treaty with Jordan. In December 1998, the OZU leadership removed from its program documents provisions calling for the destruction of Israel (i.e., it actually recognized this state). However, to date it has not been possible to achieve a final Israeli-Palestinian settlement.

In January 1942, under pressure from Japan, Thailand officially declared war on Great Britain and the United States. In exchange for Thailand's support, Japan agreed to give it the northern Malay territories (Kelantan, Kedah, Terengganu and Perlis) and two Shan states. In 1941, Thailand also occupied the western provinces of Cambodia and the right bank of Laos, which at that time were part of French Indochina. At the final stage of the Second World War, the points of view of the British and Americans on the issue of a post-war settlement in relation to Thailand differed radically. Britain insisted that Thailand had violated previous international agreements on the sovereignty of Great Britain in relation to the territories under its control, and recognized the state of war with Thailand.

The United States preferred to view Thailand as a country occupied by an enemy, and the declaration of war as a document adopted in special circumstances and not reflecting the interests of the Thai people. The basis for this was the fact that the then Ambassador of Thailand to the United States, Seni Pramoj, refused to hand over Secretary of State document declaring war. On the territory of Thailand there was also an action against Japan. partisan movement“Free Thai” (Seri Thai). Resistance units against the Japanese from the end of 1943 were also organized by the regent Pridi Phanomyong (1900-1983) - a prominent Thai political figure, head of the civic group " People's Party", which in 1932 carried out a change in the system of government from absolute monarchy to constitutional.

In July 1944, Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram, who had held this post since 1938 and decided in 1941 to rely on an alliance with Japan, was forced to resign (from 1945 to 1946). he was imprisoned under the War Crimes Punishment Act of 1945 and was later granted amnesty). With the support of Pridi Phanomyong, the government was headed by Khuang Aphaiwong, who faced not an easy task achieve the most painless possible withdrawal of Thailand from the war, maneuvering between various political forces inland, as well as between the Japanese and the local resistance.

At the end of 1945, Seni Pramot, who had returned from the United States, became prime minister. His previous experience in the US as an ambassador should have helped Thailand secure strong ally in the context of a new balance of power in the international arena. Great Britain demanded that Thailand return all territories acquired during the war, as well as provide neighboring British-controlled countries with 1.5 million tons of rice as reparations. Thailand also pledged to return to France the territories it occupied in 1941.

Despite the fact that during the negotiations it was possible to agree on payment for rice supplies, although not at the market price, and that Thailand was able to join the UN in 1946 as a result of the diplomatic efforts of Pridi Phanomyong and the cabinet of ministers, the authority of the Seni Pramoth government was undermined . During the first post-war elections in January 1946, liberal-minded forces came to power led by Pridi Phanomyong, who, however, took premiership only in March of the same year.

In May 1946, under active participation Phanomiong's Pridi in Thailand was received new constitution, which laid the foundations for the formation of a full-fledged democratic regime. It assumed the creation of an elected parliament (National Assembly), then it was planned to expand it through the creation of two chambers - an elected House of Representatives and a Senate appointed by the king. The country has formed political parties, among which are the Cooperative Party, which joined the Constitutional Front under the leadership of Pridi Phanomiong in 1946, and the Democratic Party (Prachathipat). After the repeal of the anti-communist law in 1946, the Thai Communist Party also operated in the country.

However, despite positive institutional changes, Pridi Phanomyong's government faced a number of significant difficulties. It turned out to be ineffective in solving economic problems (post-war food shortages, inflation, deteriorating economic situation in general), which were aggravated by the need to ensure reparations supplies of rice.

In June 1946, King Ananda Mahidon (Rama VIII) (Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramentharamaha Ananda Mahidol Phra Atthama Ramathibodindara), who had recently returned to Thailand from Switzerland, where he was studying, was found dead in his room. Unconfirmed rumors spread throughout the country about Pridi Phanomiong's possible involvement in these events. Although the accusations were not based on any serious grounds, in August 1946 he handed over his post to Thawan Thamrongnawasawat. Became the new king younger brother Rama VIII - Bhumiphon Adulyadej (Phra Bat Somdet Phra Paraminthra Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej Mahitalathibet Ramathibodi Chakkrinaruebodin Sayamminthrathirat Borommanatthabophit) (Rama IX, reigns from 1946 to the present).

Against the backdrop of these events in Thailand, the split between several political factions worsened. The military and bureaucracy united around Field Marshal Plek Phibunsongkhram, who had re-established himself on the political scene in Thailand and was amnestied in 1946.

This is interesting!

IN historical literature There are different points of view as to why Pridi Phanomyong supported the amnesty of Plek Phibunsongkhram after World War II without him being seriously punished as a war criminal. One explanation relates this position to the fact that until 1946 both Pridi Phanomiong and Plek Phibunsogkhram essentially belonged to the same patron-client group in the political sphere. Both of them were participants in the coup of 1932 and then in the 1940s. were members of the same cabinet of ministers. At the same time, belonging to one political group had higher value than their ideological differences: Pridi Phanomyong was more left-wing, while Plek Phibunsongkhram was right-wing conservative.

Thus, in the first post-war years, although the institutional framework for democratic development was created, internal political contradictions and complex economic situation Thailand was not favored by keeping civilian governments in power. Under these conditions, it was possible to establish and strengthen in the country during the 1950-1980s. several military regimes.

The situation changed dramatically only in the middle of the 20th century, after the Second World War and the collapse of the colonialist system. These events served as an impetus that sharply intensified the entire course of public life, political activity of the masses, cultural and other transformations. Earlier and most strongly, this affected the largest Islamic countries in the world in terms of population - India and Indonesia. India, split into two parts, gave birth to a new purely Islamic state - Pakistan (in the early 70s, in turn divided into Pakistan and Bangladesh), whose leadership was the Muslim League with its plans for moderate-bourgeois reforms. The complex path of development of Pakistan and Bangladesh, full of internal contradictions and crises, ultimately led to some transformations. However, their essence does not go beyond the framework of bourgeois reforms. Islam is still the banner of these countries, and the struggle of factions within Islamic movements and sects sometimes results in violent conflicts. The debate takes into account the need to update traditional spiritual values ​​and places emphasis on the revival of Islamic ethics with its cult of a religious form of morality. Islamic theologians talk a lot and willingly on topics about freedom of thought, equality, and emphasize peacefulness Islam(Jihad is interpreted only as a reflection of aggression). In short, the ideas of Islamic ethics and Islamic democracy developed by the spiritual leaders of these countries aim, on the one hand, to adapt Islam to needs today, give with its help an answer to the exciting questions of our time, and on the other hand, confirm the idea that only one Islam capable of becoming the foundation of a new life.

In Indonesia, Islamic nationalists took control of the state immediately after the war. The new laws of the young republic sharply limited the dominance of Sharia and thus cleared the way for modernization theories not only of Islamic democracy, but also of Islamic socialism, more precisely, “Indonesian socialism,” which was actively developed through the efforts of President Sukarno and his supporters. However, attempts to direct the country's development along a socialist path while maintaining the actual dominance of the traditional eastern structure did not lead Indonesia to success. Focus on ethics in its Islamic understanding, on egalitarian traditions Islam with the restriction of large private property did not justify itself. A crisis arose, which found expression in the activity of action against the left forces of the country, led by the communists. Nowadays the slogan of Islamic socialism in Indonesia has actually been removed. Islam remains the country's leading spiritual force, and its leaders strive to best adapt the norms Islam to the needs of modern development.

Since the 50s, the process of modernization Islam began to manifest itself in the most developed Arab countries- in Egypt, Syria, Iraq. In these states, and most notably in Nasser's Egypt, social transformation combined with a strong nationalist reaction to colonialism led to dramatic, radical changes. The question arose about reforms aimed at limiting property, nationalizing large enterprises, and providing everyone, including women, with broad rights and freedoms. Positions Islam, especially its conservative leaders, were weakened in these countries, but Islam continues to be the official ideology. All theories about “Islamic socialism” usually fit into the norm Islam, and in some Arab countries - even in the commandment of the “pure” primordial Islam with its reactionary Sharia norms, be it the punishment system or the position of women.

Attempts to harmonize norms Islam with radical transformations intensified even more in the 70s of the 20th century, which was facilitated by a number of important circumstances, and first of all, the sharp strengthening of the economic and political positions of some leading Islamic countries in connection with the oil problem. The transformation of these countries into an influential force in the modern world has raised the question of Islam.

North America, Europe, the USSR and East Asia were not just key regions - at that time they were all regions, the whole world. Other regions in in a meaningful sense it simply didn't exist.

Europe was the main problem– she was extremely weakened. Part of the European economy was physically destroyed (Germany, primarily, and to a lesser extent England, but before the war these were the main economic powers). International trade virtually ceased, the banking system was disrupted, as well as supply chains within and between countries, and transport infrastructure was destroyed. Particularly affected Agriculture. The switch of industry from military to civilian production caused an industrial decline in all regions (including the USA and the USSR) in the first two post-war years.

The result was economic collapse in Europe, despite the fact that not all European countries were destroyed. There were widespread food shortages for several years after the war and, as a consequence, the operation of the rationing system.

Germany ceased to exist in its previous form. The economic infrastructure of its eastern part was dismantled and almost completely moved to the USSR to pay for reparations (approximately $16 billion, or $180 billion in today's prices). The two post-war winters were exceptionally frosty, which, in conditions of malnutrition, mass unemployment, and lack of livelihood, led to numerous casualties. Arose big flow refugees from the East to the West of the country, which was stopped only at the cost of the formal division of Germany and the creation of two German states, which was not provided for in the Allied agreements on the post-war settlement.

Great Britain went bankrupt. The end of the war led to a decline in the economy, which was 55% working for military purposes; time was needed to reorient industry. Import, incl. food supply was stopped, and exports amounted to only 30% of the pre-war level - there was practically nothing to export. The country was deprived of currency. Against this background, the costs of maintaining the army (600 thousand people in Germany alone) and the colonies remained high. The Laborites who came to power sought to implement the social democratic “welfare state” program, which meant additional government spending. Although a loan from the United States for $4.3 billion in 1947 helped save the situation and prevent famine, however, its condition for making the pound convertible initially only worsened financial position countries (however, under the Marshall Plan, England received another $7 billion in goods and services).

The most weak links V post-war Europe turned out to be Greece, Italy and France, where, against the backdrop of socio-economic instability, there was a danger of communist parties coming to power.

Under these conditions, in 1947 the United States decided to provide large-scale economic assistance to Western European countries - Marshall Plan- in order to consolidate domestic politics and overcome the threat of famine. The bulk of assistance was provided in the form of direct supplies of goods, primarily food, and services. Part of the aid was used for restoration banking system, as well as the development of regional and international trade, which has become an important mechanism for recovery market economy.

Although pre-war production level in Western European countries, by this time it had already been achieved, however, problems remained with the restoration of the agricultural sector. In addition, the Marshall Plan also had clear political goals aimed at countering communism.

Demilitarized Japan with the help of the United States, she focused on her economic recovery and development, reaching an economic growth rate of 10-12% in the early 1950s.

IN China Until 1949 there was a civil war, which ended in the victory of the communists.

USSR with the help of German and Japanese reparations, it restored its economy by 1949. In the post-war years, Moscow, following its ideological line, actively pursued a policy of forming zones of its influence in Eastern Europe and Asia, which were isolated from the global economy. Following the United States, Moscow created its own nuclear potential.

Ideological differences led to the military-political confrontation between the USSR and the USA, East and West, which went down in history as "cold war". It manifested itself in the arms race, incl. nuclear, regional conflicts, intelligence warfare and propaganda. However, both the USA and the USSR avoided direct conflict

Economy USA after 1945 accounted for 50% of the global economy, which gave Americans significant leverage over world politics. Washington returned to the legacy of President William Wilson and began to pursue a policy of structuring a new international system based on cooperation and collective action. To this end, the United States relied on the development of a market economy and the development of world trade: free trade zones began to be created, The World Bank and the IMF to provide financial and economic assistance. In Europe, the United States supported the development of integration processes. In the field of security, Washington began to create military-political alliances, the first of which was NATO.

In the early 1950s, the world had almost completely recovered from World War II.