Cold War tensions

Definition

Cold War tensions refer to the political, ideological, and military rivalries between the United States and the Soviet Union that emerged after WWII. It was characterized by a state of non-military hostility, arms race, and competition for global influence.

Related terms

Nuclear arms race: The competition between the United States and the Soviet Union to develop more powerful nuclear weapons during the Cold War.

Proxy wars: Conflicts fought by third parties on behalf of major powers involved in the Cold War, such as Vietnam or Afghanistan.

Détente: A period of improved relations and reduced tension between the United States and the Soviet Union during parts of the 1970s.