While there were certainly tensions between the Soviet Union and Western Europe during the Cold War, it would be inaccurate to state that the Soviet Union actively attempted to take over Europe. Although there were specific political and ideological conflicts between the two sides, they primarily engaged in indirect measures such as political influence, diplomatic efforts, and the arms race to exert dominance and secure their geopolitical interests. The Soviet Union concentrated on expanding its sphere of influence within its surrounding Eastern European territories, establishing the Eastern Bloc, rather than making an overt attempt to annex Western Europe.