The impact of the Cuban missile crisis event on international relations at the time (during the crisis)
During the Cuban missile crisis of October 1962, all the events had a profound impact on international relations of that time. According to (BBC Bitesize 2024), there was a significant impact of the crisis on international relations. This period shows a lack of coordination between the superpowers, which impacted human rights, nuclear disarmament, and trade. Some of the key impacts of this crisis on global relationships were:
Escalation of tension/cold war between many countries and rise of global anxiety: This crisis highlighted an intense rivalry and competition between the superpowers (Burdekin, & Siklos, 2022). Additionally, it had an impact on their allies. Cuba was the main affected country, as the Soviet Union deployed its nuclear missiles in Cuba. As the Cuban government, led by Fidel Castro supported the Soviet presence, it impacted Cuba's relationship with the USA. As, the US officials took this as a threat to their national sovereignty and security (Chace, 2015). During the crisis, Canada played a crucial role in supporting the United States. According to (Urban, 2015), missiles in Cuba were a threat to Canada, as well. Therefore, Canadian Prime Minister John Diefenbaker expressed support for US actions during the crisis, but he was reluctant which caused tension between the two countries and led to the downfall of Diefenbaker’s government in 1963 (Stairs, 2022). However, the Canadian military forces supported the USA and were put on high alert, to support the USA, in case of nuclear war(Urban, 2015). Hence, this event has demonstrated a close cooperation and alliance between Canada and the USA.
Additionally, this crisis had a profound impact on Turkey, as US Jupiter missiles in Turkey were a key reason for the Soviet Union to deploy its missiles in Cuba (Chace, 2015). Based on different news, the Turkish government faced immense pressure from both superpowers, which impacted Turkish foreign policy and relationships with both superpowers (Nabiyeva, 2018). Furthermore, countries in Europe, which had close association with the Soviet Union, or America were deeply concerned about the implications of the Cuban missile crisis on their relationships with other nations. Similarly, countries of Latin America and Non-aligned nations (Frausto, 2016), who were not directly involved and were neutral also felt the pressure of this crisis. Since, the crises will force these countries to support one of the superpowers and show their support if the war is declared (Valenta, 2019). This shows that this crisis created a sense of global anxiety and uncertainty, around the world, where everyone feared a threat of a nuclear war (Chace, 2015).
Strategic shift: The crisis highlighted that the U.S. and the Soviet Union needed to reconsider their strategic goals and policies (Chace, 2015). This included a review of nuclear prevention strategies, strategic control procedures, and crisis management procedures to prevent any similar crises, misunderstandings, and confusion in the future (Hughes, 2019).
Nuclear Awareness: Additionally, this crisis showed that none of the superpowers (US or Soviet Union) were ready for nuclear war or to use their nuclear weapons. Based on this, they signed a ‘Nuclear Test Ban Treaty’ in 1963 (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2024).
Transformation of communication channels: According to (BBC Bitesize 2024), there was a significant impact of the crisis on international relations. For example, this event highlighted the importance of effective communication and diplomatic channels between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, which can help to prevent misunderstandings and manage crises effectively. For this, a hotline was installed between Washington DC and Moscow, where direct phone calls can be made between the White House and the Kremlin, in times of any future conflict (BBC Bitesize, 2023).
Impact on leadership: The Cuban missile crisis had a significant impact on the leaders of both the United States and the Soviet Union, and the leaders of the connected countries. This crisis helped to shape the leadership styles, decision-making processes, and strategic approaches of the leaders, in terms of managing international relations (Chace, 2015). Also, the Cuban missile crisis has helped to reinforce Kennedy’s image, domestically and internationally (Office of the Historian, n.d.). While, Nikita Khrushchev’s government faced a downfall in 1963 (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2024).
Impact on the Stock Market: The Cuban Missile Crisis has caused an increase of volatility in the global stock market, especially in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Soviet Union (Burdekin, & Siklos, 2022). This shows that this event impacted the economic situation of the overall world.
Impact on domestic politics and international policies: According to (Hughes, 2019), this event was a high-risk nuclear gamble and domestic political influence on the world, which makes this crisis so dangerous. One wrong political decision could have caused massive destruction in the world. Similarly, it has also revealed that no country was ready to bear the nuclear war consequences (Chace, 2015).
Impact on Foreign policies and diplomatic relationships: According to (Burdekin, & Siklos, 2022), this crisis tested the diplomatic skills and crisis management capabilities of leaders of the U.S., the Soviet Union, and other countries, that were involved in this conflict. This showed that there is a need for new and transformed policies on nuclear war controls, roles of strategic alliances, and diplomatic roles of the countries as they directly impact their foreign affairs (Burdekin, & Siklos, 2022).
