The term "Soviet invasion" often refers to the military actions taken by the Soviet Union to expand its influence during the Cold War. Notable examples include the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 to suppress the Prague Spring and the invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, which aimed to support a communist government facing opposition. These invasions were significant in shaping international relations and led to widespread condemnation from the United States and its allies. The actions contributed to tensions between the Soviet Union and the West, influencing global politics and military strategies for decades.