Who were the primary opponents in the Cold War?

The primary opponents in the Cold War were the United States and the Soviet Union. This ideological conflict began after World War II and characterized global politics for several decades. The Cold War was marked by a struggle for political influence and military superiority between these two superpowers, which represented conflicting ideologies: capitalism and liberal democracy, championed by the United States, versus communism, led by the Soviet Union.

Tensions escalated through various events, including the arms race, the space race, and numerous proxy wars around the world, such as those in Korea and Vietnam. The rivalry created significant geopolitical divisions and led to the formation of military alliances, with the United States leading NATO and the Soviet Union establishing the Warsaw Pact. This period shaped much of the mid-20th century and laid the groundwork for contemporary international relations.