During the Cold War, the U.S. played a critical role as a superpower primarily in opposition to the Soviet Union. It engaged in various forms of containment, including military alliances such as NATO, supporting countries resisting communism. The U.S. also exercised significant influence through economic aid programs like the Marshall Plan to stabilize war-torn Europe. Additionally, the U.S. engaged in proxy wars to curb the spread of communism, leading to clashes in places like Korea and Vietnam. Throughout this period, the U.S.'s actions shaped global politics, fostering alliances based on capitalism and democracy.