Explain how the balance of power shifted in Europe after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the international concerns that resulted.

Use at least two of the following terms in your response:

loose nukes

ethnic cleansing

NATO

transition to market-based economy

Respond in at least four complete sentences.

As the Soviet Union dissolved and the cold war ended the balance of power in Europe and especially Eastern European changed forever.

While earlier, the Soviet Union held sway over much of Eastern Europe, that completely disintegrated overnight. The Soviet influence in the region was shattered.

On the edges of Eastern Europe were the NATO countries, who quickly became the dominant political and military force in the region without any rival.

Communism and socialist policies also ended as newly freed countries started to transition to market-based economy.