ESSAY

Paragraph 1 – SALT Talks (Factor A)
The SALT talks made a highly significant contribution to détente by directly reducing superpower tensions through nuclear arms control. SALT I (1972) included the ABM Treaty, which limited anti-ballistic missile systems to two sites each (later reduced to one), and froze the number of ICBMs and SLBMs. This stabilised the nuclear balance and reinforced the doctrine of MAD, ensuring that neither side could realistically achieve a first-strike advantage. As a result, the likelihood of nuclear war was reduced, lowering paranoia and creating a more predictable relationship between the superpowers—an essential foundation for détente. Furthermore, SALT II sought to limit strategic nuclear delivery systems, including bombers and MIRVs, demonstrating a continued willingness to cooperate even as tensions began to re-emerge in the late 1970s. Although SALT II was never ratified by the USA following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, its negotiation still reflected the depth of diplomatic engagement achieved during détente. Crucially, the SALT process involved sustained, high-level negotiations between leaders such as Richard Nixon and Leonid Brezhnev, establishing regular communication and reducing hostility. Therefore, SALT had a broad, structural impact by directly addressing the central issue of nuclear weapons, making it a key driver of détente despite its later limitations.

Paragraph 2 – Ostpolitik (Factor B)
However, Ostpolitik also made a significant contribution to détente, particularly within Europe, by easing tensions between East and West Germany and improving relations across the divided continent. Initiated by West German Chancellor Willy Brandt, Ostpolitik involved recognising the post-war borders of Eastern Europe and accepting the existence of East Germany. Treaties such as the Basic Treaty (1972) normalised relations between East and West Germany, while agreements with Poland and the USSR reduced long-standing territorial disputes. This helped to lower tensions in a key Cold War flashpoint, making conflict in Europe less likely. Moreover, Ostpolitik encouraged greater cooperation and communication between Eastern and Western Europe, contributing to the broader atmosphere of détente and helping pave the way for agreements such as the Helsinki Accords (1975). However, its impact was more regional than global, as it primarily focused on European relations rather than the wider superpower rivalry. Additionally, Ostpolitik depended on the broader context of improving US–USSR relations, meaning it was partly a consequence rather than a cause of détente.

Conclusion
Overall, while both SALT and Ostpolitik contributed to détente, SALT was more significant because it addressed the central issue of nuclear weapons and had a global impact on superpower relations. In contrast, Ostpolitik played an important but more regional role, easing tensions in Europe rather than fundamentally transforming the Cold War rivalry.