The 1980s was probably the decade when the Cold War was at its tensest in several decades. And there was the possibility that the tough talk between powers and their posturing (Reagan's talk and arms build up made the Soviets suspect he was going to try something) could have erupted into World War 3.
My question is not so much about the world war itself, but rather its aftermath. What do the 90s look like if the 80s go that way?
The 1980's were probably the decade when the Cold War was the Most Tense in several decades.