The Cold War is a reference to a series of diplomatic, quasi-military and economic standoffs and tensions between the French Empire and the United States of America during the 20th, and to a lesser extent, early 21st century. While it is an ongoing conflict continuing into present day, the neverending balancing act and competition for global influence between the two superpowers has waned in recent years, as the United States is once again economically viable and not competing as bitterly with France. The bursting of the proverbial East Asian balloon has removed the competitive third parties of China, Japan and Korea from the Cold War mix as well.