The Cold War is characterized by a series of geopolitical tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, beginning after World War II. This ideological conflict was rooted in competing economic systems, with capitalism versus communism at the foreground. Key events, such as the Berlin Blockade and the creation of military alliances, marked the escalation of hostilities. The arms race and the Cuban Missile Crisis epitomized the intensity of this rivalry, highlighting the threat of nuclear conflict. This era reshaped international relations and spawned numerous proxy wars, influencing global politics for decades.