Chapter 17: US Foreign Policy in the Late Twentieth Century

16.3 The 1980s and Early 1990s

1. Détente: A Brief History

⭐The Cold War: From the end of World War II until the early 1990s, the US and the Soviet Union were locked in a tense standoff known as the Cold War. This was a period of constant ideological conflict and proxy wars, fueled by the fear of nuclear annihilation.
⭐Origins of Détente: The term "détente" refers to the easing of strained relations, particularly between nations. In the early 1960s, the Cold War began to feel increasingly dangerous. Both superpowers were developing more powerful nuclear weapons, leading to a heightened sense of paranoia and the possibility of accidental war.
⭐The Cuban Missile Crisis: This 1962 event, where the Soviets deployed nuclear missiles in Cuba, brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. It was a wake-up call for both sides, highlighting the dangers of their escalating rivalry.

2. The Why Behind Détente

⭐Nuclear Arms Race: The constant escalation of the arms race was incredibly expensive and posed a constant threat of catastrophic destruction. Both the US and USSR realized that a peaceful solution was necessary to avoid nuclear war.
⭐Economic and Social Challenges: Both superpowers were facing internal problems. The US was grappling with civil rights movements and anti-war protests, while the USSR was struggling to keep up economically with the West.
⭐Seeking Stability: Détente was seen as a way to reduce the risk of conflict and create a more predictable global environment. This would allow both countries to focus on domestic issues and economic development.

3. Key Moments and Successes

⭐The Limited Test Ban Treaty (1963): This treaty banned atmospheric nuclear tests, reducing the risk of radioactive fallout.
⭐The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I, 1972): This treaty limited the number of strategic nuclear weapons held by both countries.
⭐Helsinki Accords (1975): This agreement recognized existing European borders, including those established after World War II, and committed to human rights and cooperation between participating countries.
⭐Soviet-American Trade and Cooperation: Détente facilitated economic cooperation between the US and USSR, including increased trade and joint ventures.

4. Limitations and Challenges of Détente

⭐Soviet Invasion of Czechoslovakia (1968): This Soviet action, which crushed the Prague Spring, demonstrated that Moscow was still willing to use force to maintain control over its allies. This event raised doubts about the sincerity of Soviet commitment to détente.
⭐The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan (1979): This military intervention, which aimed to establish a Soviet-friendly government in Afghanistan, marked the end of détente. The US responded by boycotting the 1980 Moscow Olympics and imposing economic sanctions on the USSR.
⭐Human Rights Concerns: The US remained concerned about human rights violations in the Soviet Union and its satellite states. This issue often strained relations and created tensions within the framework of détente.

5. Conclusion: A Mixed Legacy

Détente had both positive and negative aspects. While it helped stabilize the Cold War and reduce nuclear tensions, it was ultimately undermined by the Soviet Union's actions and the US's continued concerns about human rights. It showed that even in the midst of conflict, diplomacy and cooperation can still be achieved, but ultimately, it could not overcome the underlying ideological and geopolitical differences between the superpowers.

Note: This is a simplified explanation. The history of détente is complex and multifaceted. You can explore further details by researching specific events, treaties, and personalities involved.