<P> Many nuclear legacies can be identified from the Cold War, such as the availability of new technologies for nuclear power and energy, and the use of radiation for improving medical treatment and health . Environmental remediation, industrial production, research science, and technology development have all benefited from the carefully managed application of radiation and other nuclear processes . </P> <P> On the other hand, despite the end of the Cold War, military development and spending has continued, particularly in the deployment of nuclear - armed ballistic missiles and defensive systems . </P> <P> Because there was no formalized treaty ending the Cold War, the former superpowers have continued to various degrees to maintain and even improve or modify existing nuclear weapons and delivery systems . Moreover, other nations not previously acknowledged as nuclear - weapons states have developed and tested nuclear - explosive devices . </P> <P> The risk of nuclear and radiological terrorism by possible sub-national organizations or individuals is now a concern . </P>

Cold war and its impact on international relations