Final answer:
The United States emerged as the globe's greatest power after World War II, with an intact infrastructure, a strong economy, and significant global influence. The Soviet Union also became powerful but was more damaged by the war, and its dominance started to wane with its eventual collapse.
Step-by-step explanation:
The country that emerged from World War II as the globe's greatest power was the United States. While the Soviet Union also became a significant force and controlled large swathes of territory in Eastern Europe, forming the Soviet Bloc, it was the United States whose infrastructure remained intact, whose economy was robust, and which had a civilian population that had remained unharmed.
The post-war period saw the US shifting its factories from war machines to consumer goods and investing in international alliances to foster global peace and reconstruction.
Although the Soviet Union did expand its influence and control over many territories post-WWII, it suffered significant losses and managed to impose its system on Eastern European countries and others through the spoil-sharing after the defeat of Germany.
However, its economy and infrastructure were severely impacted by the war, unlike the US. By the time of the Soviet Union's collapse, it was clear that the US had ascended to be the world’s most dominant superpower, both militarily and economically.
In the years that followed, the global influence of the United States remained prevalent, as evidenced by its dominance in the global economy, military might, and communication networks. Despite the rise of new global players such as China and the re-emergence of Russia, the US continues to hold a significant position in world affairs.