The ideologies that clashed during the intense years of the Cold War were primarily capitalism and communism. The United States, advocating for capitalism and democratic governance, opposed the Soviet Union's promotion of communism and authoritarianism. This ideological conflict shaped global politics, leading to proxy wars, arms race, and the formation of military alliances such as NATO and the Warsaw Pact. The competition extended into cultural realms, influencing arts, education, and science. Ultimately, this clash of ideologies not only defined the Cold War era but also resulted in significant geopolitical realignments that are still relevant today.