Détente

What is détente?

A period of relaxed tensions and improved relations between the US and USSR during the Cold War, especially in the 1970s.

What factors contributed to the emergence of détente?

Nuclear arms race costs, Vietnam War fatigue, economic stagnation in the USSR, and mutual interest in stability.

What was the SALT I agreement?

The 1972 Strategic Arms Limitation Talks treaty limiting ABMs and freezing the number of ICBMs and SLBMs.

What was the significance of Nixon’s visit to China in 1972?

It marked a major diplomatic shift, pressuring the USSR and altering the Cold War balance.

What were the Helsinki Accords (1975)?

A major agreement on European security, human rights, and cooperation signed by 35 nations.

How did détente affect US foreign policy?

It led to strategic diplomacy and arms control rather than military confrontation.

Why did détente begin to break down by the late 1970s?

Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, growing mistrust, and criticisms of human rights violations.

What was SALT II?

A follow-up arms control agreement in 1979 that was signed but never ratified due to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

How did economic factors influence détente?

Both superpowers faced economic strains that made sustained arms races undesirable.

What was the role of backchannel diplomacy in détente?

It helped leaders like Nixon, Kissinger, and Brezhnev build trust and negotiate privately.