The primary purpose of the Cold War was to counter the spread of communism and to establish global dominance predominately between the United States and the Soviet Union. This ideological struggle began after World War II and involved political, military, economic, and cultural conflicts manifested through proxy wars, nuclear arms races, and propaganda. Both superpowers aimed to expand their influence worldwide, resulting in a division of Europe and numerous conflicts in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The Cold War significantly shaped international relations and policies for nearly five decades, finally concluding with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.