detente
key characteristics
relation of US-USSR Tensions
negotiation
shift of the Cold War - out of Europe into the third world
little direct military confrontation
africa, Middle East (Iran, Israel), s.e Asia
Cold War becomes more multipolar
france w Europe, china
personality/leaders
USA
Richard Nixon (69-74)
Watergate
Gerald Ford
Henry Kissinger (security of state)
balance of power -> detente
Jimmy Carter (77-81)
human rights, inconsistent foreign policy
causes/reasons for
cuban missile crisis
USSR
Kosygin
Brehnev (64/66-82)
West Germany
willy brandt
UK
Margret Thatcher
France
Charles de Gaulle
less direct tension over Europe
ostpolitik
economic causes
USS- low standard of living
US economy in decline (increase in inflation)
both sides aim to reduce spending on nuclear weapons (soviets -parity)
spending on Vietnam
changes in leadership
trends
US -> recession
European integration
Ostpolitik
SALT 1
SALT 11
Helsinki accords
Nixons USSR visit (72)
5 year limit to strategic offensive arms
treaty in limitation of anti-ballistic missile systems
of more symbolic significance than effective
joint trade commission and trade deal
solidfies doctrine of MAD
inv of Afghanistan
not ratified by congress or ussr
both sides abide by terms for 5 years
limitations on strategic nuclear launchers
bans on new heavy missiles
notification of nuclear testing
exchange of info on arsenals
not impeding verification via satellite
3 'baskets'
US recognition of post war European borders
W German Policy -> E Germany and E bloc
Soviet recognition of human rights responsibilities in soviet sphere of influence
liberalisation of trade, travel and science
'high point of detente'
no enforcement mechanism
how successful?
positives: reduction in direct conflict and crisis, relaxation of tensions, improved communication + reform, some human rights improvements
negatives: tensions continue; just played out elsewhere, doesn't achieve lasting peace (2nd Cold War),
US -> recession '73-73' oil embargo
different understandings of detente on the 2 sides (US and USSR)