Détente

Definition

Détente refers to the easing of strained relations, particularly between countries, especially during the Cold War. This period involved diplomatic efforts to improve relationships and reduce tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, marked by significant negotiations, treaties, and exchanges that sought to limit nuclear arms and foster cooperation in various areas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Détente began in the late 1960s under President Nixon and was characterized by significant agreements like the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 1972.
2. The era of détente saw increased cultural exchanges between the US and the USSR, including sports events like the 'Hockey Game of the Century' in 1980.
3. President Jimmy Carter emphasized human rights in foreign policy during détente, impacting relations with countries like the Soviet Union and Iran.
4. The culmination of détente was tested during crises like the Iranian hostage situation and Soviet military actions in Afghanistan.
5. By the early 1980s, détente began to unravel as tensions escalated again with Reagan's more aggressive stance against communism and increased military spending.

Review Questions

• How did détente alter US foreign policy towards the Soviet Union during Nixon's presidency?
  • Détente significantly shifted US foreign policy under Nixon from confrontation to negotiation. Nixon pursued a more diplomatic approach, seeking to limit nuclear arms through treaties like SALT I. This strategy aimed to reduce tensions while allowing both nations to focus on economic issues and avoid direct military conflict. The move towards détente represented a strategic pivot from previous policies of containment.
• Discuss how the concept of détente influenced Jimmy Carter's approach to foreign relations, particularly in relation to human rights.
  • Under Carter, détente took on a new dimension with a strong emphasis on human rights as a cornerstone of US foreign policy. While maintaining engagement with the Soviet Union, Carter sought to address human rights abuses globally. This approach sometimes strained relations with certain regimes that were aligned with the US but had poor human rights records, illustrating a shift towards prioritizing moral considerations in foreign relations even amidst détente.
• Evaluate how the strategies employed during détente contributed to both cooperation and conflict in the context of the Cold War's later years.
  • The strategies of détente facilitated unprecedented dialogue and agreements that reduced immediate nuclear threats and encouraged cultural exchange, which helped stabilize some aspects of US-Soviet relations. However, underlying ideological conflicts remained unresolved, leading to tensions resurfacing in later years. Events such as the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan highlighted vulnerabilities in this strategy, as increased militarization by both superpowers countered earlier cooperative efforts. Ultimately, while détente represented a significant shift towards dialogue, it also laid bare persistent divisions that would challenge its long-term effectiveness.

Related terms

SALT: Strategic Arms Limitation Talks, a series of negotiations between the United States and the Soviet Union aimed at curbing the arms race by limiting the number of nuclear weapons each superpower could possess.

Nixon Doctrine: A foreign policy strategy introduced by President Nixon, which aimed to reduce American military involvement abroad while supporting allied nations with economic and military aid.

Perestroika: A political movement within the Soviet Union initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s aimed at reforming the political and economic system, which eventually contributed to the end of the Cold War.