The major international conflict that dominated global politics following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 was the Cold War, particularly the subsequent Soviet-Afghan War. This conflict not only showcased the tension between the U.S. and Soviet Union but also catalyzed the involvement of various global powers and factions. The U.S. supported Afghan mujahideen fighters, leading to a prolonged guerrilla war that drained Soviet resources and contributed to the eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. The conflict also had significant implications for U.S. foreign policy, leading to increased military spending and involvement in the Middle East.