The main ideological battle during the Cold War was between capitalism, primarily represented by the United States and its allies, and communism, led by the Soviet Union. This conflict was marked by significant political tension, military competition, and ideological disputes that shaped global relations from the end of World War II until the early 1990s. The United States promoted democratic governance and free-market economies, while the Soviet Union advocated for a command economy and a one-party state. The Cold War's tensions also manifested in proxy wars, nuclear arms races, and international alliances, profoundly impacting numerous countries and shaping contemporary political landscapes.