"Cold War" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Janelle Monáe for her debut studio album The ArchAndroid (2010). The song was written and produced by Monáe, Nathaniel Irvin III, and Charles Joseph II. It was released on February 12, 2010 on Monáe's website, one day after the release of The ArchAndroid's first single, "Tightrope". "Cold War" was produced as a fast paced rock, new wave and Afro-funk track with a futuristic feel. Its drum pattern has received several comparison to that of OutKast's 2000 single "B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad)". Music critics acclaimed the song as one of the best tracks from The ArchAndroid. The accompanying music video was directed and shot by Wendy Morgan at a sanitarium. It features Monáe emoting throughout the video and has been praised by critics as a unique piece of work.

"Cold War" was co-written and co-produced by Robinson with Nathaniel Irvin III and Charles Joseph II, credited under their production names Janelle Monáe, Nate Wonder, and Chuck Lightning. The song was recorded by Control Z and Roman GianArthur at Wonderland Studios in Atlanta, Georgia; it was mastered by Larry Anthony at CO5 Mastering, also in Atlanta. Irvin and Phil Tan edited "Cold War" at Wonderland Studios and Soapbox Studios, respectively. Robinson enlisted several musicians to create the song's overall sound. Irvin provided most of the instrumentation for the song, including the Mellotron, electric guitar, organs, and percussion.Backing vocals for the song were recorded by Robinson and Irvin. Robinson enlisted the Wonderland Orchestra to play the revolutionary strings. Kellindo Parker performs on guitar, lead guitar, guitar (rhythm), and soloist. Grace Shim performed on the cello while Alexander Page provided the violin and viola; Irvin head the string arrangement. YoungPete Alexander performs on the drums.

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