Cooperation​

How did the Cuban Missile Crisis change Khrushchev and Kennedy’s attitudes?

Both realised the dangers of nuclear war; became more cautious, open to negotiation, and focused on avoiding direct confrontation. 

What lessons did the crisis teach them? 

• Communication was vital

• Miscalculations could lead to global catastrophe

• Superpower rivalry needed careful management 

What was the Washington-Moscow ‘hotline’?

What was the Washington-Moscow ‘hotline’?

When was it established?

1963, following the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Why was it important?

Allowed rapid communication to prevent misunderstandings and reduce the risk of nuclear war. 

What did the Moscow Test Ban Treaty do? 

Banned nuclear weapons tests in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater. 

Why was it significant? 

• Reduced radioactive fallout 

• Marked the first major arms control agreement between the superpowers 

• Signalled a willingness to cooperate despite Cold War tensions 

What was the goal of the NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty)?

To prevent the spread of nuclear weapons to new countries and promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy. 

Who signed it initially? (NPT)

Major nuclear powers (US, USSR, UK) and many non-nuclear states. 

Why was it important? (NPT)

Helped stabilise the nuclear balance and reinforced international norms against proliferation.

What efforts were made to reduce nuclear materials?

Agreements to limit production of fissile materials (plutonium and enriched uranium). 

Why was this important? 

Reduced the risk of new weapons development and potential nuclear escalation. 

What does this show about superpower relations? 

Cooperation was possible even during the Cold War when mutual security interests were clear. 

What marked the period of limited cooperation after the Cuban Missile Crisis? 

Establishment of the hotline, the Moscow Test Ban Treaty, NPT, and efforts to limit nuclear materials. 

How did these measures impact the Cold War? 

Reduced the immediate risk of nuclear war and created frameworks for arms control, showing that diplomacy could coexist with rivalry. 

What was the broader significance?

Demonstrated that crises could lead to pragmatic cooperation, setting the stage for later détente in the 1970s.