The focal point of tension during the Cold War was predominantly centered around the United States and the Soviet Union. This period, spanning roughly from the late 1940s to the early 1990s, was marked by a geopolitical struggle, ideological conflict, and global rivalry between capitalism and communism. Key events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War exemplified the hostilities that arose. The Iron Curtain symbolized the division of Europe, and the arms race led to a significant buildup of nuclear arsenals. Overall, this era profoundly shaped international relations and continues to influence global politics today.