Détente The Thawing of Cold War Tensions

This section explains Détente and the thawing of Cold War tensions in the 1970s. Détente refers to the period during the 1970s when the United States and the Soviet Union made a concerted effort to reduce the intense tensions of the Cold War. This period, characterised by efforts to ease hostilities and build diplomatic bridges, followed the strain of the Vietnam War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the arms race. It marked a shift in the geopolitical landscape as both superpowers recognised the dangers of prolonged conflict and the benefits of coexistence.

What Factors Contributed to Détente?

Several factors led to the relaxation of tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, along with China, during the 1970s.

Economic Pressures and the Cost of the Arms Race 

The arms race between the superpowers had become an expensive and unsustainable venture. Both the Soviet Union and the United States realised that continued spending on nuclear weapons would drain valuable resources from their economies and hinder domestic development. The Soviet economy, in particular, was struggling with inefficiency, and there was growing recognition that the military-industrial complex was diverting funds away from needed consumer goods and economic reforms. Similarly, in the United States, there was increasing concern over economic issues, such as inflation and unemployment, which overshadowed the focus on international military competition.

Vietnam War Fatigue and Growing Isolationism

The Vietnam War had left the United States politically and morally exhausted. The conflict had become deeply unpopular with the American public, with widespread protests and disillusionment about the war’s goals and conduct. The human cost of the war, combined with the financial strain it imposed on the US, led to a shift in American foreign policy. President Richard Nixon recognised that the US had to disengage from Vietnam, and in 1973, after lengthy negotiations, the US withdrew its forces. The war had led to a growing sense of isolationism within the United States, where many citizens were less interested in engaging in global conflicts and more concerned with domestic issues. This shift in focus from international politics to internal affairs meant there were fewer points of confrontation with the Soviet Union, opening the door for more peaceful diplomacy.

The Sino-Soviet Split and the US-China Rapprochement

During the 1960s and early 1970s, relations between the two largest communist nations, the Soviet Union and China, had deteriorated, leading to what became known as the Sino-Soviet split. This ideological rift between the two communist giants allowed the United States to seize an opportunity. Nixon, understanding that the Soviet Union was wary of China’s growing power and influence, sought to exploit the divide. In February 1972, Nixon made a groundbreaking visit to China, becoming the first sitting US president to do so. This visit signalled a shift in global dynamics, as the United States and China sought to open diplomatic channels and improve relations. Nixon’s visit was not only symbolic but strategic, as it was hoped that China would help pressure North Vietnam towards a resolution in the ongoing Vietnam conflict. This shift in relations had significant geopolitical implications, as it led to a thaw in US-China relations and contributed to China’s eventual admission into the United Nations.

The USSR’s Desire for Stability and Diplomatic Engagement 

With China now seemingly in a diplomatic partnership with the United States, the Soviet Union became anxious about being left out of the new global balance of power. Recognising the importance of improving relations with the US, Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev sought to secure a stable relationship with the United States, especially in the area of nuclear weapons. Both superpowers were aware of the risks posed by their vast nuclear arsenals, and the potential for miscalculation or escalation was a growing concern. As a result, the Soviet Union, under Brezhnev, showed interest in pursuing arms control agreements and exploring avenues for reducing tensions.

Key Events in the Détente Period

• Nixon's Visit to China (1972): Nixon’s visit to China in 1972 marked a dramatic shift in international relations. Prior to this, China had been largely isolated from the global diplomatic community, but Nixon’s visit was an indication that the US was now open to engaging with the Chinese government. This thaw in US-China relations was viewed with suspicion by the Soviet Union, as China was a powerful communist state with significant military and economic influence. Nixon’s rapprochement with China ultimately had an impact on Soviet foreign policy, pushing Brezhnev to pursue a more cooperative relationship with the US to avoid being sidelined.
• The Moscow Summit and SALT I (1972): Building on the momentum created by his visit to China, Nixon made a historic trip to Moscow in May 1972. This was the first time a sitting US president had visited the Soviet Union, and it was a highly symbolic moment in the Cold War. During his visit, Nixon and Brezhnev held high-level discussions that resulted in the signing of the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT I). SALT I was a significant milestone in arms control, as it placed limits on the number of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) each side could possess. The treaty did not reduce the number of nuclear warheads but served to slow the rate of the arms race and allowed both nations to focus on improving relations in other areas. This agreement was seen as a major success for Détente, demonstrating that both superpowers were willing to engage in dialogue to limit the risks of nuclear war.
• Helsinki Accords (1975): The Helsinki Accords were another important development in the 1970s that reflected the growing spirit of Détente. Signed in 1975, the Accords were a series of agreements between 35 countries, including the US, the Soviet Union, and European nations. The Accords focused on a range of issues, including the recognition of post-World War II borders in Europe, economic cooperation, and the protection of human rights. While the Accords did not result in significant immediate changes, they represented a commitment from both the West and the Soviet bloc to engage in peaceful cooperation and to resolve disagreements through diplomacy.

Consequences of Détente

While Détente marked a period of reduced tensions between the superpowers, it did not bring an end to the Cold War. Both sides remained committed to their respective ideologies and were wary of one another’s intentions. However, Détente did lead to several important outcomes:

• Reduced Risk of Nuclear War: The signing of arms control agreements like SALT I and the Helsinki Accords demonstrated that both superpowers were serious about reducing the risk of nuclear conflict. While tensions never completely disappeared, the establishment of diplomatic communication channels helped prevent direct military confrontations.
• Economic and Diplomatic Engagement: The US and the USSR were able to engage in more cooperative economic and diplomatic relations during this period. This resulted in some improvements in trade and cultural exchanges, which helped foster a sense of stability in international relations.
• The Long-Term Decline of Détente: Despite these positive developments, Détente began to unravel towards the end of the 1970s. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 marked a significant turning point, as the US and its allies viewed the invasion as a direct challenge to the principles of Détente. In response, the US imposed economic sanctions on the USSR and withdrew from the SALT II talks, signalling the end of the Détente period.

Conclusion

Détente was a significant moment in the Cold War, representing a thaw in relations between the US and the USSR. While it did not mark the end of the Cold War, it did lead to important agreements that reduced the immediate risk of nuclear war and opened the door for future diplomatic efforts. However, as the 1970s drew to a close, the tensions between East and West would soon resurface, particularly with the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, signalling a return to heightened Cold War rivalry.