Question

How does the concept of competition relate to the arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War?
The two nations were not concerned about one another or their nuclear capabilities, so there was no competition between them.
The two nations were interested in working together to produce nuclear weaponry, which extinguished any competition between them.
The two nations wanted to outdo one another in the development and stockpiling of nuclear weapons, which drove the competition between them.
The two nations felt that face-to-face battles would be more effective than nuclear weapons, which led to a violent competition between them.

Answer 1

The correct choice is:
- The two nations wanted to outdo one another in the development and stockpiling of nuclear weapons, which drove the competition between them.

Explanation: During the Cold War the U.S. and the USSR engaged in an arms race—each sought technological and quantitative superiority (or at least deterrent parity) in nuclear weapons, delivery systems, and military capabilities. That rivalry, driven by competition for security, prestige, and influence, fueled testing, buildup, and proxy conflicts rather than direct conventional or nuclear battles between them.