What did the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 signify?

The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 is widely recognized as signifying the end of the Cold War. This was a pivotal moment in history, marking the dissolution of a political and ideological rivalry that had defined global relations since the end of World War II. The Cold War was characterized by tensions between the capitalist bloc led by the United States and the communist bloc led by the Soviet Union. The fall of the Soviet Union not only resulted in the emergence of independent republics formerly part of the USSR but also allowed for a significant shift in geopolitical alliances and power dynamics. It heralded the move towards greater integration and cooperation among Western nations, as well as the spread of democratic governance in Eastern Europe. This event effectively concluded the long-standing ideological struggle and opened up opportunities for a new era in international relations, emphasizing democracy and capitalism rather than communism.