Who was the United States' main rival during the Cold War?

The Soviet Union was the primary rival of the United States during the Cold War, which spanned from the end of World War II until the early 1990s. This period was characterized by significant political, military, and ideological tensions between the two superpowers. The Cold War involved various forms of conflict, including military standoffs, nuclear arms races, and proxy wars, but it was distinct from traditional warfare, as the United States and the Soviet Union never directly engaged in armed conflict against each other.

The Soviet Union's communist ideology stood in stark contrast to the United States' capitalist democracy, fueling mutual distrust and competition on the global stage. Various events, such as the Berlin Blockade, the Korean War, and the Cuban Missile Crisis, further exemplified the intense rivalry and the global impact of their relationship. This ideological, military, and diplomatic struggle shaped international relations for decades and defines the Cold War's legacy in history.

In contrast, countries like the United Kingdom, China, and France did play roles in the broader geopolitical landscape of the time, but they were not considered the main adversary of the United States during the Cold War like the Soviet Union was.