What was the overall economic view held by the USSR about the US?

The USSR's overall economic view of the United States during the Cold War was predominantly shaped by ideological conflict and competition. They perceived the US as a selfish empire builder, primarily because of its capitalist system, which the Soviet regime viewed as exploitative and driven by individual profit rather than collective welfare. This perception was reinforced by the US's actions around the world, such as its involvement in various conflicts, support for certain regimes, and its efforts to expand its influence through economic means, such as the Marshall Plan, which aimed to rebuild Europe under capitalist ideals.

The USSR's fundamental belief in communism stood in stark contrast to the capitalist values championed by the US, leading to a worldview that interpreted American actions through a lens of suspicion and hostility. As a result, the Soviet leadership often depicted the US as an imperial power seeking to dominate global markets and political landscapes, thereby creating a wide gap between the two superpowers that defined much of the 20th century.