Which ideology caused conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union?

The primary ideology that caused conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union was the clash between capitalism and communism. The United States, and much of the Western world, supported a capitalist economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production and operated for profit. Conversely, the Soviet Union embraced communism, where the state owned the means of production, and there was a planned economy with the aim of achieving a classless society. This ideological difference was central to the Cold War, a period of geopolitical tension between the two superpowers after World War II, leading to various proxy wars, an arms race, and diplomatic struggles.

Extra: Capitalism and communism represent two opposing economic and political ideologies that have shaped global politics in the 20th century, particularly during the Cold War era. In a capitalist system, the economy is driven by individuals and private businesses who make decisions based on market competition and the pursuit of profit. This system emphasizes individual freedoms and economic opportunities but can also lead to economic inequalities.

Communism, as advocated by Karl Marx and realized in different forms in various countries, seeks to establish a classless society through the abolition of private property and the collectivization of resources. The means of production are owned by the community as a whole, and goods and services are distributed according to need. This system aims to avoid the disparities seen in capitalist societies.

The ideological conflict between these two systems was not just economic but also political, with the capitalist United States favoring democratic governance and the communist Soviet Union often imposing authoritarian rule to maintain state control. As a result, countries around the world often aligned or were aligned with one of these two superpowers, leading to a divided world during the Cold War. This ideological rift influenced international relations for much of the 20th century and still has reverberations in current global politics.