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Is the East-West cold war about to repeat itself?

On November 10, 1989, the world was witness to a remarkable event: the collapse of the Berlin Wall. For forty-five years, this wall was a symbol of a divided arena; the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was the United States' ideological, military and territorial opponent. Borders were clearly defined, and each side was a match for the other. An armed conflict between the two nations would have been unthinkable if it had happened, it might have spelt the end of the human race altogether.

In the 21st century, a new Cold War between the East and the West is not a far-fetched prospect. With Russia's resurgence in recent years, the world balance of power is evening again. In Putin's domain, the economy is growing at a startling pace, mainly from the export of oil and gas to China and Europe. Wages are growing at double digit rates and people are experiencing more economic freedom and movement. With the increased spending, industry and research are also revitalized, and especially the Russian military sector. Exports are considerable, including tanks and military aircraft. Fifth generation fighters have been developed in the face of the Su-47 and MiG 1.44. On the international stage, Russia has entered in partnerships with India and China for the development of joint-venture fighter jets. Considering each exported aircraft sells for tens of millions, the industry can be said to be in an excellent condition.

Even more daringly, Russia has asserted its place as a dominant player on the world stage by the increased use of its military. Approximately two years ago, the Russian air force renewed patrols in the North Atlantic with its turbo-prop Tu-95 bombers. The objective of this is to challenge American dominance of the North Pacific by saying that there is another force there, capable of dealing with the Americans. Another example is the recent exercise in the North Atlantic by the Russian navy, in which warships from the Black Sea fleet participated as well. The exercise also placed the British Royal Air Force on edge, which had dispatched fighters of its own to monitor the Russians; a similar incident also occurred during the incursions of Tu-95's over the Northern European airspace. Back to the exercise, however, it represents one message Russia has interests to protect in the area of the Mediterranean, and this has been reflected in its desire to construct a naval base in Turkey for its potential Mediterranean fleet.

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