In the given question, a statement of Assertion is followed by a statement of Reason. Mark the correct answer.

Assertion: The superpowers- The USA and USSR did not need any allies at all during the Cold War.

Reason: With their nuclear weapons and regular armies, the USA and USSR were so powerful that the combined power of most of the smaller states was no match to that of the superpowers.

The Assertion is incorrect but the Reason is correct.

The correct answer is Option 3 - The Assertion is incorrect but the Reason is correct.

Assertion: The superpowers- The USA and USSR did not need any allies at all during the Cold War. (INCORRECT)

Reason: With their nuclear weapons and regular armies, the USA and USSR were so powerful that the combined power of most of the smaller states was no match to that of the superpowers. (CORRECT)

While the USA and USSR were indeed incredibly powerful militarily during the Cold War, they still relied on alliances and coalitions to achieve their strategic objectives and manage global affairs effectively. Therefore, the assertion that they did not need any allies at all not accurate, as alliances played a significant role in shaping Cold War dynamics

One may ask why the superpowers needed any allies at all. After all, with their nuclear weapons and regular armies, they were so powerful that the combined power of most of the smaller states in Asia and Africa, and even in Europe, was no match to that of the superpowers. Yet, the smaller states were helpful for the superpowers in gaining access to:

(i) vital resources, such as oil and minerals,

(ii) territory, from where the superpowers could launch their weapons and troops,

(iii) locations from where they could spy on each other, and

(iv) economic support, in that many small allies together could help pay for military expenses.