After the collapse of the Soviet bloc beginning in 1989 Does "After the collapse of the Soviet bloc beginning in 1989" imply: 1. After the beginning of the collapse of the Soviet bloc in 1989 (it was not completely collapsed yet) or 2. After the collapse of the Soviet bloc, which began in 1989 (it was already collapsed) Context: After the collapse of the Soviet bloc beginning in 1989, a new threat to western security emerged in Afghanistan and Iraq. Except for Afghanistan, concern again centred largely on nuclear capability.