Cold War policies in Southeast Asia

During the Cold War, U.S. and Soviet policies in Southeast Asia aimed to prevent the spread of communism or promote communist ideals, depending on the country. The U.S. supported anti-communist governments and intervened militarily (e.g., Vietnam War) to stop communism from gaining influence, often through aid, political pressure, or military action. The Soviet Union and China, meanwhile, backed communist movements and governments, providing weapons, training, and political support. These policies created a tense regional landscape where struggles between capitalism and communism shaped conflicts, alliances, and transitions in countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.