essay plan

Which of the following made a greater contribution to detente in the years 1969-1984?

A) SALT talks

B) ostopolitik

Paragraph 1 – SALT Talks (Factor A)

Point:
The SALT talks made a highly significant contribution to détente by directly reducing superpower tensions through nuclear arms control.

Evidence 1:

  • SALT I

    • Included the ABM Treaty, limiting anti-ballistic missile systems to 2 sites each (later reduced to 1).

    • Also froze numbers of ICBMs and SLBMs.

Analysis:

  • This stabilised the nuclear balance and reinforced the idea of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) → neither side could gain a first-strike advantage.

  • Reduced paranoia and risk of nuclear escalation → key foundation of détente.

Evidence 2:

  • SALT II

    • Sought to limit strategic nuclear delivery systems (e.g. bombers, MIRVs).

Analysis:

  • Showed continued willingness to cooperate even in a more tense late-1970s context.

  • However, it was never ratified by the USA after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (1979).

Evidence 3:

  • SALT talks involved direct US–USSR negotiation (e.g. Richard Nixon and Leonid Brezhnev).

Analysis:

  • Created regular diplomatic dialogue → reduced hostility and improved communication.

Interim Judgement:
Overall, SALT had a global and structural impact, directly addressing the central Cold War issue (nuclear weapons), making it a crucial driver of détente—though its limitations (e.g. SALT II failure) weaken its long-term impact.

Paragraph 2 – Ostpolitik (Factor B)

Point:
Ostpolitik contributed to détente by improving relations in Europe, particularly between East and West Germany.

Evidence 1:

  • Policy of Willy Brandt from 1969.

  • Treaty of Moscow

    • West Germany accepted post-war borders in Europe.

Analysis:

  • Reduced Soviet fears of West German aggression.

  • Built trust between Eastern and Western Europe.

Evidence 2:

  • Treaty of Warsaw

    • Recognised the Oder–Neisse line (Poland’s border).

Analysis:

  • Stabilised Central Europe → previously a major tension point.

  • Encouraged wider European cooperation.

Evidence 3:

  • Basic Treaty

    • East and West Germany recognised each other.

    • Both joined the UN in 1973.

    • Led to millions of cross-border visits in the 1970s.

Analysis:

  • Normalised relations → reduced risk of conflict in Germany.

  • Strengthened détente at a regional level.

Interim Judgement:
Ostpolitik was highly effective in reducing tensions in Europe, but its impact was mainly regional rather than global.

Conclusion (Overall Judgement):

Although Ostpolitik played a key role in easing tensions in Europe, the SALT talks made the greater contribution to détente overall because they directly reduced nuclear tensions between the USA and USSR. By addressing the most dangerous aspect of the Cold War—nuclear weapons—SALT had a broader and more significant impact, despite its limitations.