
Détente
Détente was a period during the Cold War, primarily in the 1970s, when the United States and the Soviet Union sought to reduce tensions and improve relations after years of hostility. It involved diplomatic negotiations, arms control agreements like the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT), and increased trade and communication. The goal was to avoid direct military confrontation and to promote stability through cooperation, despite underlying ideological differences. Détente reflected a pragmatic approach to managing conflict between the two superpowers, recognizing the dangers of an escalating arms race.
Additional Insights
-
Détente refers to the easing of tensions and improved relations between countries, particularly during the Cold War, notably between the United States and the Soviet Union. This period, roughly from the late 1960s to the late 1970s, involved diplomatic negotiations, arms control agreements like the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT), and cultural exchanges. Détente aimed to reduce the risk of nuclear conflict and promote peaceful coexistence, acknowledging that despite deep ideological differences, dialogue and cooperation could lead to stability and manage competition in a multipolar world.