The primary ideology of the Cold War was a conflict between capitalism, primarily represented by the United States and its allies, and communism, led by the Soviet Union. This ideological struggle characterized international relations from the late 1940s until the early 1990s, influencing political, military, and economic strategies worldwide. The U.S. advocated for democracy and free-market capitalism, viewing communism as a threat to individual freedoms and global stability. In contrast, the Soviet Union promoted a state-controlled economy and a one-party system, asserting that communism would ultimately lead to social equality. This rivalry led to numerous proxy wars and shaped global geopolitics.