What was the ideological conflict known as the Cold War primarily centered around?

The ideological conflict known as the Cold War was primarily centered around capitalism versus communism. This prolonged struggle, which mainly took place between the United States and the Soviet Union, involved a competition over political ideologies, economic systems, and global influence. Capitalism, championed by the United States, emphasized free markets, private property, and individual liberties. In contrast, communism, as promoted by the Soviet Union, aimed for a classless society through state ownership and the abolition of private property.

The tensions between these two ideologies manifested in various forms, including military confrontations, political maneuvering, and propaganda efforts, but without direct large-scale warfare between the two superpowers, hence the term 'Cold War.' This conflict influenced international relations for several decades and had profound impacts on the global socio-political landscape. In essence, understanding this ideological divide provides crucial insights into not only historical events during the Cold War but also the continued influence of these ideologies in contemporary global politics.