Détente

1. Détente

2. Détente • It is the relaxation of tension between the Superpower countries beginning around 1968 and ending in 1980 (Nixon-Carter & Brezhnev) • During the 70’s it described how the USA and USSR tried to develop peaceful-coexistence and also describes the better relationship between the US and China

3. Reasons for USSR • Economy was in stagnation, they needed to trade for food and technology • Needed to reduce spending on Arms and focus on consumer goods • Sino-Soviet split made Russia feel vulnerable, especially after the US-Chinese relationship became better

4. Reasons for USA • It initiated by President Nixon & national security advisor Henry Kissinger as a way to help end the Vietnam War • Wanted a more realistic foreign policy: Realpolitik – politics based on power rather than ideals • Wanted to strengthen US global role by negotiation rather than confrontation. • Spending less money on Arms would also help bolster a troubled economy

5. Reasons for US-China Rapprochement • Sino-Soviet split made China nervous of a possible USSR invasion. They had already had a border clash in 1969 • Did not want to be isolated internationally • Better relations with the USA would get back at the USSR. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. • Kissinger viewed China as a world player and Realpolitik demanded recognition and negotiation with that power

6. Improved East-West relations in Europe • 1968 = time of instability. The West had student protests and riots, the East had the crushing of the Prague Spring • W. Germany’s Willy Brandt began relaxing tension with E. Germany and E. Europe (Ostpolitik) • Soviets wanted better relations with Europe and wanted to secure the borders of European countries that were redefined after WWII

7. Détente Successes • SALT I (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks) • ABM Treaty limited defense weapons • Interim Treaty limited ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles) & SLBM (Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles) • Basic Principles Agreement – laid down rules for conduct of nuclear war, development of weapons and committed both sides to prevent such a conflict.

8. Agreement between 2 Germanys • Moscow Treaty – Aug. 1970 between USSR, Poland and FRG( West Germany) recognizing the borders between east and west Germany border between East Germany and Poland • Final Quadripartite Protocol (1972) – confirmed recognition of West Berlin • Basic Treaty (1972) – E&W Germany accepted each others right to exist and began trade links

9. US-China agreements • US dropped objections to China taking a seat at the UN, replacing Taiwan • Both lifted trade and travel restrictions • Sporting events take place, specifically in table tennis, leading to the visit of US team to visit China – Ping-Pong Diplomacy • Nixon visits China, 1st US president to do so

10. Helsinki Agreements • High point in Détente, over 30 countries were represented and signed a peace treaty consisting of three “Baskets”: • Basket 1 – Security – European borders are fully recognized and won’t be challenged or invaded • Basket 2 – Co-operation – Established trade between the countries furthering globalization • Basket 3 – Human Rights – All countries would respect human rights and freedoms of thought, conscience, religion and travel…USSR does not like this one but signs knowing other countries won’t be able to enforce it

11. Pressure on Détente & Collapse • 1973 Yom Kippur war, US suspected USSR knew Egypt would attack but told us nothing • USSR involvement in Angolan civil war and USSR and Cuban involvement in Ethiopia • Soviet disregard to Basket 3 • Carter changes ideas on SALT II when it was nearly done forcing greater concession from USSR • 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan ends détente completely and the USA boycotts the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow