Which conflict was characterized by tensions between the USA and the Soviet Union?

The Cold War was a period of intense political and military tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, lasting roughly from the end of World War II until the early 1990s. It was marked by ideological differences, with the U.S. promoting capitalism and democracy, while the Soviet Union advocated for communism. Unlike conventional wars, the Cold War did not result in direct armed conflict between the two superpowers; instead, it involved proxy wars, nuclear arms races, and espionage.

Key events of the Cold War include the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War, where the influences of both superpowers were evident, but the central conflict always remained ideological and geopolitical rather than direct military confrontation. This era heavily influenced global politics and many nations' foreign policies and continues to affect international relations today.

In contrast, World War I and World War II were direct military conflicts involving many nations but did not center specifically on the USA and the Soviet Union as rival powers. The Vietnam War, while significant and involving the USA, was primarily a conflict within Vietnam influenced by Cold War tensions but not the conflict itself.