There is some simplified understanding of the phenomenon known as “cold war”. It is believed that it was generated by the confrontation between the USSR and the United States, as well as the impersonated by them social systems, and ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the re-establishment of capitalist social relations here. The author considers such understanding erroneous and justifies the idea that the “cold war”, as “hot” one, is a constant companion of humankind since the formation of the states. In his opinion, they will cease only after the cessation the world’s division into separate states with their borders and special interests and the formation of a universal community of equal individuals and peoples.