Which of the following best describes the term "Cold War"?

The term "Cold War" is best described as a state of political hostility and military tension. This period primarily characterized the geopolitical landscape from the end of World War II until the early 1990s, marked by a rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union and their respective allies. During this time, both superpowers engaged in various forms of competition, including propaganda, ideological conflict, and an arms race, but they never engaged in direct military combat against each other.

The Cold War was noted for proxy wars, espionage, and political maneuvers rather than open warfare, which maintained a tense atmosphere globally. This ongoing struggle for influence between capitalism and communism led to significant events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Korean War, underscoring the military and political stakes involved. Furthermore, while the era had aspects of technological competition, such as the space race, the overarching theme remained rooted in political and military tension rather than peaceful coexistence or global economic unity.