The Cold War is primarily characterized as a conflict between which two countries?

The Cold War is primarily characterized as a conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union due to their opposing ideologies and global ambitions. After World War II, these two superpowers emerged as the leading forces, with the U.S. advocating for capitalism and democracy, while the Soviet Union promoted communism and authoritarian governance. This ideological clash led to a series of geopolitical tensions, military buildups, and proxy wars across the globe, as both nations sought to expand their influence.

Throughout the Cold War period, the U.S. and the Soviet Union engaged in extensive espionage, supported rival factions in various nations, and competed in significant events such as the Space Race. The establishment of military alliances—such as NATO for the U.S. and the Warsaw Pact for the Soviet Union—further highlighted the divide.

Other options focus on countries that, while involved in various conflicts throughout the 20th century, did not serve as the primary adversaries in the Cold War context. For instance, the United States had significant tensions with China, particularly after the Communist Revolution, but the overarching narrative of the Cold War remains centered on U.S.-Soviet relations. Similarly, while Germany was divisive during the Cold War and served as a frontline in