Niall Ferguson's book "Colossus" presents the argument that the Soviet Union represents a distinct kind of threat to Western civilization, fueled by a radical ideological conviction that starkly opposes Western values. Unlike past powers that sought dominance through conventional means, the Soviets are driven by a fanatical commitment to their political ideology, which they aim to spread globally.

This ideological fervor distinguishes the Soviet Union from previous hegemonic aspirations. The text emphasizes that their goal is not merely to gain influence but to impose their authority universally, creating a stark clash between the Soviet vision and the principles of freedom, democracy, and individual rights cherished in Western societies.