How did the Cold War influence international relations?

The Cold War significantly influenced international relations primarily by fostering intense geopolitical tensions. This period, lasting roughly from the late 1940s to the early 1990s, was characterized by a power struggle between the United States and its allies, representing capitalist democracies, and the Soviet Union along with its satellite states, promoting a communist ideology.

During this time, nations found themselves divided along ideological lines, leading to various conflicts and confrontations around the world, including proxy wars in Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan. The Cold War also prompted the establishment of alliances such as NATO and the Warsaw Pact, which further solidified the divide between Eastern and Western blocs.

Additionally, the arms race and the threat of nuclear war created a climate of fear and suspicion, affecting diplomatic relations and leading to a military buildup that shaped global politics for decades. Although there were instances of cooperation, these were largely overshadowed by the overarching tensions, making intense geopolitical rivalries a defining characteristic of the era.