Détente

Arms race
Atomic bomb USA 1945
USSR 1949
China 1964
Hydrogen bomb USA 1952
USSR 1953
China 1967
ICBM USSR 1957
Inter-continental ballistic missiles USA 1958
First satellite USSR 1957
USA 1958
Early warning radar USSR 1958
USA 1960
SLBM USA 1960
Submarine-launched ballistic missiles USSR 1968
ABM USSR 1968
Anti-ballistic Missiles USA 1972
MIRV USA 1970
Multiple independently targetable re-entry Vehicle USSR 1975

MAD Mutually Assured Destruction

When the Cuban missile crisis ended, the superpowers became more aware of the extent
of threat posed by the outbreak of a nuclear war. Brodie first proposed the idea in 1946
that the existence of nuclear weapons meant there could never be total war between the
superpowers.

Both USA and USSR accepted MAD but continued to develop arms under restriction.
• Test-ban treaty 1968 stopped the testing of nuclear weapons in the atmosphere
• Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty 1968 required that nations possessing nuclear
weapons not to pass on technology or information to non-nuclear countries
• Strategic Arms Limitation Interim Agreement 1972 restricted number of land and
sea based ballistic missiles
• Open skies Eisenhower’s tacit agreement to allow satellite reconnaissance
(monitoring) to minimise possibility of surprise attack
• Anti-ballistic Missile Treaty of 1972 Banned defences against long-range missiles

The MAD signified a mutual understanding that nuclear weapons must not be used. The
point of possessing nuclear weapons thus became an indicator of power (potential
destruction determining the victor of a hypothetical war) and fuelled the momentum of
the Cold War. By 1969, the USSR had achieved parity of nuclear power with US, now
more willing to negotiate détente.
 China’s reasons for détente with USA
• Sin-Soviet relationship deteriorates and Mao tries to establish China as the main
Communist leader in the UN. Improving relations with USA and lessen the
opposition in the Cold War.
China’s detachment from Moscow made the US acknowledge that Communism is not
monolithic but differentiated. It reformed US attitude to containment and complicated
the development of the Cold War as China now emerged as a nuclear power. On the
other hand, the entrance of China into the Cold War meant that the direct tension
between USSR and USA may lessen for whoever with China’s support would be at an
advantage, and US would welcome China’s temporary friendship.
• Concerns over resurgent Japan posing threat to China
After WWII, US investments and financial support prevented Japan from collapsing
and falling to Communism. US military presence in Japan would prevent future
attacks from Japan.
• Economy to improve by foreign trade
In order to become a superpower, China needed investments and resources to
develop technology.
• World power to be recognised - Gain concessions over foreign policies
When China was accepted into UN, Mao gained more control over foreign conflicts
involving China, such as Taiwan and Vietnam, as they held the power of veto.
• Détente to be temporary and remain vigilant against US dollar imperialism but is
presently necessary
The main drive for détente with USA was that Mao believed it was necessary at the
time to survive the Cold War.

USA’s reasons for détente with China

• Situation in Vietnam needed assistance
US hoped that China would provide assistance in ending the Vietnam, giving up
containment and finding a way to exit the war with honour.
• Pressure on Soviet to make détente
US hoped that the USSR would be more willing to make détente as well if China
does, thus hoping to end the Cold War.
• Public support for more peaceful constructive strategies rather than brute force
tactics like in Vietnam or Korea
US attitude more ready to make peaceful treaties and make small concessions in
order to avoid war. Morale now low after reports of Vietnam war and public
pressing for peace.
• PRC developed ICBM – safer to make agreements and construct stable relationship
China’s emergence as nuclear superpower means that power balance is skewed,
better to form relations to avoid conflicts that may force China to align with Soviet
Union.
• US hoped to reduce commitments in Asia as domestic issues such as human rights
also pressing
Reports of violence in Vietnam war drained public support for containment and
 strained resources. Change of government and attitude as US ready to give up
hegemony in Asia and simply retreat with honour.
USSR’s reasons for détente
• Economic problems need foreign trade and investments
• Need to improve standard of living by importing foods and technology
• Deteriorating relationship with China - need to isolate China from West

Outcome of Sino-American détente

• China had a say in the possible reunification of Taiwan and preventing US selling
arms to Taiwan.
• Improved diplomatic relations between China and USA, President Nixon on visit
to China in 1971.
• China admitted into UN and Taiwan was expelled after “two Chinas” rejected.
China had been refused membership in 1965 due to aggression and was not
legitimate.
• USA used China as leverage to negotiate drawback
• Tri-polar shift in balance of power

Realpolitik
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger (Security Council Advisor)

Ostpolitik
Chancellor of West Germany, Willy Brandt encouraged opening of channels between
East and West Germany. His Ostpolik was to reduce tension between the two sides by
increasing links and communication.

Pressure on détente
• US and USSR agreed to inform of any conflicts threatening world peace. US
suspected that USSR withheld information about the Yom Kippur war in 1973
• Soviet and Cuba intervened in Angola civil war supporting Movement for
Liberation of Angola with military aid.
• Soviet and Cuba involved in conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia in 1977.
USA disapproved of Soviets involved in foreign battles, fearing world expansion of
Communism. Also they seemed to support revolutionary groups which were seen as
subverting world peace.
• Helsenki agreement Basket 3
Human rights terms deliberate challenge to Soviets. President Carter tried to
incorporate human rights conditions in trade deals, which were resented by the
USSR.

Collapse of détente
Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979, which USA perceived as “real” Soviet
intention to expand an spread influence.