1980s arms race

The 1980s arms race was a competition between the United States and the Soviet Union to develop and accumulate nuclear weapons and military technology. Each side aimed to deter the other through the buildup of arsenals, leading to rapid advancements and increased tensions. This race stemmed from Cold War fears of mutual destruction, prompting huge investments in military capabilities. By the decade's end, both nations possessed vast nuclear stocks, heightening global insecurity. However, diplomatic negotiations, such as arms control treaties, eventually helped slow the escalation. The arms race significantly influenced international relations and security policies during that era.