Detente: The origins of detente

The origins of detente

• Detente refers to a relaxation in tension between the two superpowers as a deliberate attempt to avoid crises.

The origins of detente

The Soviet perspective

• Brezhnev sought a better relationship with the US for the following reasons:
  • The USSR had achieved relative nuclear parity in armaments - they felt they could negotiate from a position of strength.
  • The USSR was experiencing economic problems - 1/6 of the size of the US economy. They wanted to boost economic growth and raise living standards by reducing military spending.
  • They wanted to buy cheap grain from the West.
  • They wanted access to superior Western technology.
  • Sino-Soviet relations had deteriorated and weakened the strength of the communist bloc.

The US perspective

• Nixon became president in 1969 and was a well-known opponent of communism.
• He was a realist and felt the war was draining US resources.
• He believed the US should seek a more stable relationship with the USSR and sought detente for the following reasons:
  • US leaders wanted to end the Vietnam War and…