What characterized the Cold War?

The Cold War was characterized by intense rivalry and tension, primarily between the United States and the Soviet Union, along with their respective allies. This period, spanning roughly from the end of World War II to the early 1990s, was marked by a pervasive atmosphere of distrust, ideological conflict, and competition for global influence.

The rivalry influenced many aspects of international relations, including military buildups, espionage, and proxy wars, where the two superpowers supported opposing sides in various conflicts around the world, rather than engaging in direct military confrontation. The ideological differences between capitalism and communism fueled this tension, leading to a divided world, notably represented by the Iron Curtain in Europe.

While there were various diplomatic efforts throughout this period, such as treaties and negotiations aimed at de-escalating tensions, the overarching atmosphere remained one of strategic rivalry rather than collaboration. Immediate peace agreements were not characteristic of the Cold War; instead, the conflict maintained its complex, ongoing state of competition without a formal resolution for decades. Hence, the defining feature of the Cold War was indeed the intense rivalry and tension between the two superpowers and their influences worldwide.