For questions set during between 1947 – 1991, when the Soviet Union and the United States were openly hostile without resorting to violent measures.
During World War II, the USSR (United Soviet Socialist Republic, or Soviet Union) and the US (United States) worked together, along with other powers, in a group of countries called the Allies. They fought against a group called the Axis, and eventually succeeded to win the war.
Between 1947 and 1991, the USSR and US distrusted each other in what is known as the Cold War. Despite the fact that they were once allied, the countries were fearful of each other's capabilities, and became openly hostile.
Neither country physically fought the other, yet they engaged in proxy wars, in which they backed opposing sides of existing conflicts. Tensions reached a climax during the Cuban Missile Crisis, when many feared a "hot war" with physical attacks would ensue. Eventually, this period subsided, though tensions have not completely ceased.
Questions set during this period have a rich, complex base to work off of. Some choose to focus on warfare and politics, some ask what would happen if scenarios played out differently, and others focus on powerful weapons that were developed during that time, such as the atomic bomb. Additionally, the USSR and US were engaged in the space race at this time.
Relevant tags may include weapons, alternate-history, politics, warfare, technology, and reality-check
