Following World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a prolonged period of political tension and ideological rivalry, often called the Cold War. A key characteristic of this era was the absence of direct military conflict between the two superpowers, largely due to the threat of?
✓ Correct Answer: Option B
During the Cold War, both the U.S. and the Soviet Union possessed nuclear weapons. The concept of "mutually assured destruction" (MAD) meant that a direct military conflict between them could lead to global nuclear annihilation, thus deterring direct war.