The Cultural Cold War

The Cultural Cold War was a period of ideological competition between the United States and the Soviet Union, focusing on shaping global cultural, artistic, and intellectual values rather than military power. Each side promoted its own way of life—liberal democracy versus communism—through media, arts, academia, and propaganda to win influence and demonstrate the superiority of their system. This rivalry aimed to sway public opinion worldwide and showcase their societies as ideal models, highlighting differences in freedom, human rights, and lifestyle without direct conflict.