“Economic problems between 1980 and 1991 were the most significant reason for the end of the Cold War.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Candidates must consider the merits or otherwise of the proposition that economic problems between 1980 and 1991 were the most significant reason for the end of the Cold War. While they should focus on economic factors, others may be considered for comparison. Candidates should be mindful that the question is about the end of the Cold War and not the collapse of the USSR and Eastern European communist regimes. Therefore, answers should focus on the reasons for the easing of tension between communism and the west. There may be consideration, for example, of the impact of economic problems which afflicted the USSR and Soviet satellite countries in Eastern Europe, which contrasted with relative prosperity in the US and her western allies. Other factors may be considered for comparison, such as the role of leaders and demands for political reform in Eastern Europe.