The term "Cold War" during the 20th century describes the prolonged geopolitical, ideological, and cultural confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union, along with their respective allies. It began after World War II, characterized by a lack of direct military conflict between the two superpowers but manifested through proxy wars, espionage, economic competition, and an arms race, including nuclear weapons. The Cold War saw the formation of military alliances such as NATO and the Warsaw Pact. Socially and culturally, it influenced art, literature, and public perceptions, as each side aimed to promote its political ideology—capitalism versus communism—globally.