The terms "Cold War" and "proxy wars" describe the geopolitical tension and conflicts that emerged after World War II, primarily between the United States and the Soviet Union. The Cold War was characterized by ideological rivalry, military buildups, and the struggle for global influence without direct confrontation. Proxy wars, such as those in Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan, occurred when these superpowers supported opposing sides in conflicts, using other nations as battlegrounds for their ideological disputes. This era was marked by the threat of nuclear war and a significant impact on international relations.