What does the Cold War refer to?
The Cold War refers to the phenomenon that overshadowed world politics from the end of WWII until the fall of the former Soviet Union. It is one of the most significant events from the perspective of students of international relations.
Implications of the Cold War
The term Cold War signifies the state of affairs in which bitter relations, hostility and confrontation between the two post-WWII superpowers (US and USSR). The Cold War did not result in outbreak of war between the superpowers.
The Cold War did result in an arms race, diplomatic confrontation, proxy warfare, ideological competition which engulfed the entire world order. The Cold War resulted in formation of eastern and western power blocks and corresponding alliances and institutions under the Communist and Capitalist power blocks.