The Cold War greatly influenced international relations, shaping a bipolar world dominated by the ideological conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union. This period, spanning from the end of World War II until the early 1990s, saw a diverse array of proxy wars, military alliances, and diplomatic strategies aimed at balancing power. Nations aligned themselves with either the capitalist U.S. or the communist USSR, leading to conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, and elsewhere. The Cold War also fostered a climate of suspicion and competition, prompting arms races and espionage while affecting global economic and cultural dynamics, creating lasting impacts on international policies and alliances.