Final answer:
The intense rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union after World War II is known as the Cold War. It was characterized by proxy wars, espionage, propaganda, an arms race, and the competition for global influence without direct military confrontation.
Step-by-step explanation:
After World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union became involved in an intense power struggle that became known as the Cold War. This era did not involve direct military armed conflict between the two nations; instead, it transformed the world into a political chessboard with each side aiming to prevent the other from gaining influence.
Proxy wars, such as the Vietnam War and the conflict in Afghanistan, were a significant aspect of the Cold War, with each of the warring parties being supported by either the United States or the Soviet Union. The term "Cold War" signifies the absence of direct military confrontation between the two nations; instead, the struggle manifested through espionage, political assassinations, propaganda, and the formation of alliances with other nations. Furthermore, an arms race and a competition for technological and ideological supremacy characterized this period.
The Cold War also saw the United States and the Soviet Union racing to make the greatest advancements in space exploration and resulted in a steep increase in scientific and technological development. The term M.A.D. (Mutually Assured Destruction) reflects the mutual understanding that an open war with nuclear arsenals would lead to unprecedented global devastation.