The primary adversaries in the Cold War were the United States and the Soviet Union. This geopolitical tension emerged after World War II and was characterized by ideological differences, with the U.S. promoting capitalism and democracy, while the USSR advocated for communism and totalitarianism. The conflict manifested in various forms, including military alliances (NATO vs. the Warsaw Pact), arms races, and proxy wars in regions like Korea and Vietnam. The Cold War also encompassed cultural, economic, and technological competitions, such as the Space Race. It fundamentally shaped international relations until the Soviet Union's dissolution in 1991.