ABSTRACT
The single most important non-regional event during 1988 and 1989 was the gradual enfeeblement of the Soviet Union and the loosening of its grip within its borders and in countries that were part of its alliance system. This led to a series of strategic negotiations and military withdrawals (most notably from Afghanistan), but few at the time predicted that it would culminate in the ultimate break-up on December 25, 1991 of the Soviet Union.
