AHC- 3 or more sides in cold war

The challenge here is to have something analogous to the Cold War take place, but to have 3 or more sides that are all working against each of their opponents. It can't be something like "the USA is not a fan of the British empire", it has to be full on opposition from each side to each other side. Bonus points for extra sides.
 
Given that the 20th century is the age of superpowers then only superpowers can be a side in a multi polar cold war. The USA and Soviet Union are obvious superpowers, a Greater Germany as a result of a WW1 victory is a 3rd superpower. I think a possible 4th quasi superpower could be formed by an Anglo-French strategic union after a WW1 defeat, I think that without a close union with France Britain doesn't have the muscle to compete with Germany as OTL WW2 showed. Japan and Italy are bit players, good alliance material but that is about it.
 
You mean OTL (USA vs. USSR, with China as a wildcard)?

Well, maybe China was not strong enough to claim the mantle of a superpower or the "third side of the Cold War" in our timeline, but with a bit more wanking, they could go nuclear earlier, Mao could conduct industrialization in a less disastrous and more competent manner, and the stage would be all set.

Given that the 20th century is the age of superpowers then only superpowers can be a side in a multi polar cold war. The USA and Soviet Union are obvious superpowers, a Greater Germany as a result of a WW1 victory is a 3rd superpower.

Riain has not been heard from since the making of this comment. At last report, he was being sought by the Interpol for genocide against the butterfly nation.
 
WI you had a powerful nation that followed a Third Position or fascist ideology.

I mean, having different Nazi leadership who don't start WW2 then get involved in a three-way standoff with the West and the Soviets is always an option.
 
The challenge here is to have something analogous to the Cold War take place, but to have 3 or more sides that are all working against each of their opponents. It can't be something like "the USA is not a fan of the British empire", it has to be full on opposition from each side to each other side. Bonus points for extra sides.

Have national Socialism aka The Nazi's survive past WW2

Perhaps have Britain and France Rearm more effectively earlier and be powerful enough to force a stalemate in 1940 or the equivalent year for this TL but not be powerful enough or have the desire for a an expensive costly fight.

Russia rebuilds her armed forces before Germany invades (any OTL type of Barbarossa) is delayed due to the western campaign bogging down and need to keep forces facing he French and British and for her Part Russia is distracted by internal issues (yes I'm making this up as I type) so does not get around to

So you end up with

Axis powers - Germany, Italy, Spain, Nationalist China

Communist powers - USSR, those Eastern European Nations that have 'joined' them + Communist China

'Western' powers - British Commonwealth, USA, French Empire and Japan (?)
 
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