Which of the following created greater change in relations between the USSR and the West? i. Détente in the 1970s ii. The ‘new Cold War’ of 1979-1985

The period of détente in the 1970s and the subsequent ‘new Cold War’ of 1979-1985 represent two distinct phases in the relationship between the USSR and the West. Both periods witnessed significant shifts in the political landscape, but it was the ‘new Cold War’ that ultimately had a greater impact on relations between the superpowers. While détente brought about a period of relative calm and cooperation, the ‘new Cold War’ re-ignited tensions and ultimately paved the way for the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union.

Détente: A Period of Relative Calm

Détente, meaning "relaxation" in French, emerged as a strategic shift in the late 1960s and early 1970s, characterized by a willingness to engage in dialogue and negotiation between the USSR and the West. This period saw a number of significant developments, including:


⭐Arms limitation agreements: The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) I and II treaties signed in 1972 and 1979 respectively aimed to limit the growth of nuclear arsenals, marking a significant step towards reducing the risk of nuclear war. <br>
⭐Improved communication and relations between leaders: Détente facilitated regular communication between US President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Leonid Brezhnev, leading to a series of summits and diplomatic exchanges. This helped build trust and understanding between the two leaders, paving the way for future cooperation. <br>
⭐Ostpolitik: The policy of West German Chancellor Willy Brandt aimed at improving relations with Eastern Europe, including East Germany. This led to the signing of treaties acknowledging the post-war borders and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two German states, contributing to a lessening of tensions in Europe.


However, détente's impact was ultimately limited. Despite the agreements and improved communication, underlying ideological differences remained, and both superpowers continued to pursue their own interests on the global stage. Moreover, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 marked a turning point, ending the era of détente and ushering in a new phase of Cold War tensions.

The ‘New Cold War’: Resurgence of Tensions

The ‘new Cold War’ of 1979-1985 witnessed a resurgence of tensions between the USSR and the West. Key factors contributing to this shift included:


⭐Renewal of tensions: The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan ignited strong condemnation from the West, leading to a boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics and a renewed escalation of the arms race. <br>
⭐The escalation of the nuclear threat: The development of new and more sophisticated nuclear weapons by both superpowers heightened the risk of a catastrophic nuclear war. The deployment of intermediate-range nuclear missiles by the Soviet Union in Europe further fueled Cold War tensions. <br>
⭐Renewed commitment to ‘win’ the Cold War: The election of Ronald Reagan as US President in 1980 marked a significant shift in American policy. Reagan adopted a hard-line stance against the Soviet Union, rejecting peaceful coexistence and vowing to "win" the Cold War. This aggressive rhetoric further strained relations between the superpowers.


The ‘new Cold War’ brought about significant changes in the global landscape. The arms race escalated, leading to increasing military spending by both sides. Proxy wars intensified in regions like Central America and Southeast Asia, increasing global instability. Furthermore, the “new Cold War” sowed seeds of mistrust and animosity that ultimately contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Conclusion: A Greater Impact

While détente brought about a period of relative calm and cooperation, the ‘new Cold War’ had a greater impact on relations between the USSR and the West. The renewed tensions, the escalation of the nuclear threat, and the ideological clash between the superpowers ultimately led to the collapse of the Soviet Union, marking the end of the Cold War. The ‘new Cold War’ not only reversed the gains achieved during détente but also fundamentally reshaped the global political order.