The Cold War lasted approximately 44 to 45 years, spanning from around 1947 to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in late 1991. It began shortly after World War II, with tensions escalating between the United States and the Soviet Union, and ended when the Soviet Union collapsed in December 1991

. More specifically, the Cold War is often dated from March 2, 1947, when the U.S. announced the Truman Doctrine, to December 26, 1991, when the Soviet Union officially dissolved, totaling about 44 years and 9 months

. This period was marked by geopolitical rivalry, ideological conflict, and proxy wars, but no direct military confrontation between the two superpowers