The major turn in global politics characterized by the Cold War rivalries between superpowers was the ideological conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union. After World War II, a power vacuum emerged that both nations sought to fill, leading to a prolonged period of geopolitical tension. The conflict was marked by arms races, proxy wars, and competition for influence across the globe, often framed within the context of capitalism versus communism. This rivalry significantly impacted international relations and shaped the political landscape for decades.