AHC/WI: *USSR formed in early 1990s after U.S./Russian Empire Cold War.

[The Uchronian]

As it says on the label, what if, in some other universe, the Russian Empire had survived another 75 years past it's OTL expiration date of 1917, only to get entangled in a Cold War with the United States and loses, collapsing in say, sometime between 1988 and 1993, after which a *Soviet Union subsequently rises from the ashes? What might make this happen?

The POD can be at any time before 1913.

 

[Lalli]

If Russian Empire manage to survive history is very different from OTL. And I don't see any reason, why there would be Russo-American Cold War.

 

[Up The Creek]

Yeah, the US was traditionally pretty amicable with the Russian Empire, so it would be hard, unless the Russians or the US changed dramatically in at least foreign policy.

 

[Twin City Lines]

Without a Communist revolution in a major country somewhere on Earth by the time of the Great Depression, Marxism becomes an obscure philosophy akin to the religious communes of the early 1800s. No way is it enough of a force to overthrow Russia c. 1990....

 

[Beedok]

If Russian Empire manage to survive history is very different from OTL. And I don't see any reason, why there would be Russo-American Cold War.

If the US keeps making noises about democracy, self determination, and grumbling about anti-Semitism it could happen. Plus the US is likely to have better trade relations with the UK and the UK doesn't care for Russia (as well as the whole conflicting interests in China issue). Then there's just the risk of the Russians wanting to show off their strength (mostly to domestic interests) through some sort of arms build up causing the Americans to want to be ready 'just in case' and that spiralling out of control.

As for keeping Communism semi-viable, with decolonisation you might see some small communist powers emerging, and if the Americans and Russians are happy to back whichever dictator will be their friend you might see some communists pop up. Or you just have socialist groups pop up here and there in various democracies and remain a relatively credible thing.