Russia Won the Cold War: America Celebrated Victory, But Russia Never Stopped Fighting

By Michael Kelman Portney

In 1991, when the Soviet Union collapsed and the Berlin Wall fell, Americans celebrated the end of the Cold War, convinced that democracy and capitalism had prevailed. The United States seemed poised as the world’s undisputed superpower, leading a new, peaceful world order. But what if this perception was wrong? What if, instead of winning, America fell victim to a long-term Russian strategy—a strategy that didn’t rely on military might but on ideological manipulation, cultural division, and economic disruption? What if Russia won the Cold War, and Americans didn’t even notice?

Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory may be the most recent symptom of a U.S. that never truly understood its Cold War rival. This post examines how Russia, through evolving strategies and covert influence, outmaneuvered the U.S., reshaping American society, and winning a Cold War Americans thought was over.

America’s Illusion of Victory

When the Cold War appeared to end in 1991, the U.S. saw it as a decisive victory of capitalism and democracy over communism. This “victory” fueled American exceptionalism and created a sense of invulnerability, with many in the West assuming that liberal democracy was the inevitable end-state for all nations. But this was a fundamental misreading of Russia’s resilience and long-term strategy.

For Russia, the apparent “defeat” was an opportunity. Even as its economy struggled, it began adopting new strategies—ones that relied less on traditional military power and more on economic leverage, cyber tactics, and ideological influence. The Cold War had not ended; it had evolved into a new form, one where Russia could exploit America’s own weaknesses to regain power on the world stage.

How Russia Shifted the Battleground

Russia’s strategy shifted from open confrontation to covert influence. Rather than fighting the U.S. in military terms, Russia focused on manipulating public opinion, spreading disinformation, and deepening America’s internal divisions. Through cyber tactics, economic meddling, and propaganda, Russia launched a silent but effective campaign to erode America’s unity and trust in its institutions.

This strategy included:

• Cyber Attacks and Disinformation: Russia used misinformation campaigns and cyber tactics to influence U.S. elections and weaken trust in democratic processes.

• Exploitation of Social Divisions: By fanning flames of division around issues like race, class, and immigration, Russia has fueled polarization within the U.S., making it harder for Americans to unite around common goals.

• Economic Leverage: Russia built alliances with nations that could counterbalance U.S. influence, creating economic networks that challenge American dominance.

These tactics have allowed Russia to assert influence over U.S. affairs without direct confrontation. As America was lulled into complacency by its supposed “victory,” Russia adapted, using subtle but far-reaching methods to weaken the U.S. from within.

Trump’s 2024 Election: Evidence of Russia’s Long Game

Donald Trump’s return to power in 2024 represents a key moment in Russia’s long-game strategy. His “America First” rhetoric aligns with Russian goals of weakening U.S. alliances and reducing America’s role on the global stage. Trump’s distrust of NATO, admiration for authoritarian leaders, and attacks on U.S. institutions mirror the very divisions Russia has sought to deepen. His election is not just a victory for his supporters; it’s a victory for Russia’s Cold War tactics.

Trump’s policies—from isolationist trade stances to distrust of international alliances—align with Russian objectives. By stoking fears of external threats, calling media integrity into question, and framing America as embattled and isolated, Trump has tapped into a mentality that serves Russia’s interests by eroding U.S. confidence and cohesion.

Conclusion: America’s Cold War Blind Spot

Trump’s 2024 victory is a stark reminder that the Cold War never ended—it simply shifted into a new phase, one where Russia has managed to manipulate American culture, politics, and perceptions. The U.S. may have “won” the Cold War militarily, but Russia has won the war of influence. America’s complacency allowed Russia to exploit its vulnerabilities, turning the triumphalism of 1991 into a dangerous blind spot.

The real Cold War winner wasn’t the nation that claimed victory but the one that outlasted and outmaneuvered its opponent. In 2024, as Americans witness the ripple effects of Trump’s election, the lesson becomes clear: Russia may not have defeated the U.S. on the battlefield, but it won the ideological war by turning America’s strengths into its weaknesses.