[b][u]Life and Culture during the 1990s and into the 21st Century[/u][/b]

With the Cold War an ongoing concern, the effects on society and culture were subtle, but obvious. 
While outright nationalism and jingoism were not as apparent as during previous conflicts, the celebration and embracing of the freedoms of the West was a direct counterpoint to the more practical, formal and rational outlook of the East, or at least the USSR. 

Many works of fiction and entertainment used the backdrop for tales of daring espionage and heroism, with many characters and conflicts characterised by the emphasis of individuality, imagination and ingenuity over rigid conformity and collectivism, whether grounded in fantasy or reality, there were many films, television programs, video games and more of all genres that drew parallels. 
Equally present and notable was a rising voice of popular sentiment that called for embracing the other and for drawing together, rather than apart. Many works of speculative fiction showed a world where people of all nations worked together and ideologies of the past were abandoned, and were produced by both sides. 

With the continuing tension and worry of attack, drills and knowing the location of nearby shelters, and what to do in the event of an alert became commonplace parts of everyday life, especially in Europe where large centers of population were very close to striking range of Soviet missiles or bombers. Architecture reflected this, with many buildings having basements and sub-ground floors that doubled as shelters, and many civil engineering projects like tunnels, subways, and other such constructions having areas that doubled as shelters, be they long-term or temporary. 

The peace movement also encouraged the rise of the counter-culture elements of society; a rebellion against the ever-present tension and threat. This often took the shape of non-conformist media, style, music, and other such things; the punk, goth, grunge and metal sub-cultures were something of a backlash against the ideas of conformity, with much of the 'message' being one of non-conformity, and a deeper connection with raw emotional elements, liberating of feelings and behaviour, and other such ideals and concepts. 

Peace marches and movements were frequent and wide-spread, especially and often in reaction to the placing of military establishments and forces in allied countries, and in reaction to the continuing development and manufacture of NBC weapons or platforms for their launch, or stationing of them in various countries and territories. None was more notable than the 'Peace Camp' that was established outside Greenham Common airbase in the UK, an airfield used by the USAF to station nuclear-capable bombers and long-range missiles. The camp was established in the 1980's, and lasted right up until the Heavenfall itself in 2003, and the effective end of the Cold War. 

[i]Author's Note: Much of the popular culture of the 1990s, the major movies, shows, music and suchlike will still be present for the most part, though likely with some minor changes and alterations in keeping with the continued presence of the USSR and it's 'position' as the 'big bad' in a lot of media of the 1980's, for example.[/i]