What were the major differences between the USSR and the US during the cold war?

The major differences between the USSR and the US during the Cold War stemmed from their opposing ideologies: the USSR was a communist state advocating for a planned economy and state ownership, while the US promoted capitalism, individual freedoms, and democratic governance. Additionally, their foreign policies diverged sharply, with the US seeking to contain communism globally through military alliances like NATO, while the USSR aimed to expand its influence through support for socialist movements and regimes. These ideological and geopolitical tensions fueled an arms race, espionage, and proxy wars, defining the era.