The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 had a profound effect on the world in both economic and geopolitical terms. On the economic front, the demise of the communist system ushered in a period of market liberalization and deregulation of trade in much of Europe and Central Asia. This led to an influx of investment capital and new trade opportunities, resulting in an overall increase in global economic activity. On the geopolitical front, the dissolution of the Soviet Union ended the Cold War and ushered in an era of unprecedented peace and stability in many parts of the world. This peace and stability was magnified by the increased flow of foreign aid and economic investment into formerly underdeveloped countries. The political changes resulting from the collapse of the Soviet Union have also given rise to new geopolitical alliances, such as the NATO alliance, and have contributed to the evolution of the United Nations.