What was the primary conflict during the Cold War?

The primary conflict during the Cold War centered on the tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. This period, which lasted roughly from the end of World War II until the early 1990s, was marked by ideological, political, military, and economic rivalries between the two superpowers. The core of this conflict stemmed from the differing ideologies of capitalism, championed by the United States, and communism, propagated by the Soviet Union.

The Cold War was characterized by several key features, including nuclear arms races, military alliances such as NATO and the Warsaw Pact, proxy wars in various regions of the world, and significant cultural and propaganda campaigns aimed at undermining the other side's influence. The influence of both countries extended globally, as they supported opposing sides in conflicts, such as in Korea, Vietnam, and various countries in Africa and Latin America.

Understanding the Cold War as a conflict primarily between the United States and the Soviet Union helps frame the historical geopolitical dynamics of the 20th century, which continue to influence international relations today. Other options, while notable in their own contexts, do not capture the centrality of U.S.-Soviet tensions during this era.