The United States and Russia continue to be considered as the two biggest superpowers of the world. Huge political influence, military might and land, these two nations have a key role to play in the world.
They experienced the “Cold War” between them, and while they have been allies in many ways, they remain enemies in other ways.
Something that many people are unaware of is that the United States and Russia actually share a border! The way that the world map is seen, it is easy to forget that Planet Earth is in a sphere shape.
Therefore, when the two ends of the world map are combined, you see that the two nations share a border. This area is known as the Diomede Islands.
Background
The Russia-United States border is one of the most unique locations in the world. Stretching from the Bering Strait to the Pacific Ocean, it is the only border between two countries that is separated by an international body of water.
This unique geography is home to two islands – Big Diomede and Little Diomede. These islands have played a major role in the history of the region. These little-known islands form the border.
Who owns which Diomede Island?
As mentioned, there are two Diomede islands. Out of the two islands, both nations own and control one of these islands.
Big Diomede is located in the Russian territory, while Little Diomede is part of the United States. The two islands are only two and a half miles apart, making it the closest border crossing between two nations in the world.
During the Cold War
This close proximity between the islands has been a source of tension between the two countries, as well as a symbol of the Cold War.
The Russia-United States border was a highly militarized zone during the Cold War, and the two islands were part of the military build-up.
Big Diomede was home to a significant Russian military base, while Little Diomede was patrolled by US forces.
The two countries also had a number of military exercises in the region. For example, the sight of submarines and ships regularly passing through the waters between the two islands was common.
Some speculated that if the Cold War did result in direct warfare, that the Diomede Islands would’ve seen initial battles.
What is happening in the Diomede Islands in the present day?
In recent years, the Russia-United States border has become much more peaceful.
The two countries have signed a number of agreements to reduce tensions and increase cooperation.
There is now a small village on Big Diomede, and there are regular trips by boat between the two islands.
The border is still heavily patrolled, but it is much more peaceful than it was during the Cold War.
The Takeaway
The Russia-United States border is an interesting place to visit, and it is a reminder of the unique history of this region.
The two islands of Big Diomede and Little Diomede, which are so close together, are a symbol of the Cold War and the tensions between the two countries.
Today, however, the border is much more peaceful, and it is a reminder of the progress that has been made in improving relations between the two countries.
