The Cold War and Détente

Flashcards about the Cold War and Détente

Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD)

The capacity of both the US and USSR to completely destroy each other with nuclear weapons, deterring a first strike.

SALT I

Strategic Arms Limitation Talks. Marked the beginning of strategic arms control dialogue during the Cold War in Helsinki, 1969.

Ostpolitik

A policy of reconciliation with the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact, pursued by Willy Brandt's West Germany (FRG) from 1969-1973.

Ping-Pong Diplomacy

The invitation of an American table tennis team to visit China in 1971, which helped to thaw relations between the US and China.

Realpolitik

A practical, often amoral, approach to foreign policy based on national interests rather than ideology.

Détente

The easing of hostility or strained relations, especially between countries

Operation Condor

A secret Cold War alliance of South American dictatorships to eliminate leftist opposition.