The Contemporary Western World, 1970 - Present 1 4/25/10

Explanation
Dissidents are individuals who openly express their disagreement or criticism towards a particular regime or government. They often advocate for political or social change, challenging the established authority. The other options, such as detente, perestroika, INF Treaty, and market, do not specifically refer to people who speak out against a regime. Detente refers to a period of reduced tension between nations, perestroika refers to the restructuring of the Soviet political and economic system, INF Treaty is a nuclear arms control agreement, and market refers to an economic system based on supply and demand.

Explanation
The INF Treaty refers to the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, an agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union signed in 1987. This treaty aimed to eliminate all ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. The INF Treaty was a significant step towards reducing the threat of nuclear war and promoting arms control between the two superpowers during the Cold War era. It played a crucial role in easing tensions and fostering detente between the United States and the Soviet Union, contributing to a more stable and peaceful international environment.

Explanation
Perestroika refers to Gorbachev's initial economic reforms in the Soviet Union. It aimed to restructure and revive the country's failing economy by introducing elements of market economy and decentralization. The reforms included allowing limited private ownership, encouraging foreign investment, and granting more autonomy to state-owned enterprises. Perestroika was a significant departure from the centrally planned economy that had been in place for decades. It sought to address the inefficiencies and stagnation of the Soviet economy, but ultimately did not achieve the desired results and contributed to the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union.

Explanation
The correct answer is "detente." Detente refers to a period of relaxed tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union that occurred before 1979. It was characterized by diplomatic efforts to ease Cold War tensions and promote cooperation between the two superpowers. This period saw various agreements and treaties, such as the INF Treaty, aimed at reducing nuclear arms and promoting stability. Detente also provided some space for dissidents within the Soviet Union to voice their opposition to the regime. Perestroika, on the other hand, refers to the reform policies implemented by Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s, which aimed to restructure the Soviet economy. The term "market" is too vague to provide a clear explanation in this context.

Explanation
The term "market" refers to the economic system in which goods and services are bought and sold. It is a mechanism through which consumer demand influences the economy. In a market economy, prices are determined by supply and demand, and businesses respond to consumer preferences and needs. This means that the choices and purchasing power of consumers have a direct impact on the production, distribution, and pricing of goods and services. Therefore, the correct answer suggests that the economy is influenced by consumer demand in a market-based system.

Explanation
The Soviet Union was suffering from a declining economy, rising infant mortality, and poor working conditions, which contributed to its ailing state by 1980. However, the one cause that did not contribute to its decline was too many political reforms.

Explanation
President Reagan did all of the mentioned actions except signing the Brezhnev Doctrine. The Brezhnev Doctrine was a policy adopted by the Soviet Union that asserted their right to intervene in the affairs of communist countries to prevent them from deviating from the Soviet model. Reagan did not sign or support this doctrine, as he had a different approach towards the Soviet Union and focused on opposing their influence rather than endorsing it.

Explanation
Gorbachev soon realized that economic reform would not succeed without political reform because the Soviet Union's centralized political system was hindering progress. The country needed to introduce political changes that would allow for more openness, democracy, and participation from the people. Without political reform, Gorbachev's economic reforms would face resistance from entrenched interests and would not be able to bring about the necessary changes to revitalize the Soviet economy.

Explanation
President Carter protested the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan by canceling U.S. participation in the 1980 Olympic Games. This action was a diplomatic response to show disapproval and exert pressure on the Soviet Union. By boycotting the Olympics, Carter aimed to send a strong message and isolate the USSR internationally. The decision was a symbolic gesture intended to demonstrate solidarity with Afghanistan and condemn the Soviet aggression.

Explanation
The United States was inclined to sign a nuclear weapons treaty in 1990 because it needed to reduce military spending. By signing the treaty, the US could potentially decrease its defense budget by limiting the development and production of nuclear weapons. This would allow the government to allocate funds to other areas such as social programs or infrastructure development. Additionally, reducing military spending could also be seen as a step towards promoting peace and stability, as it would demonstrate a commitment to disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.