During the Cold War, both the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in an arms race to build up their military capabilities, especially in nuclear weapons. This led to a constant fear of a potential nuclear war breaking out between the two superpowers. The massive stockpiles of nuclear weapons created a "balance of terror," where both sides were deterred from attacking each other out of fear of mutual destruction. The arms race also increased tensions by fueling competition for technological advancements and military superiority.
