Cooperation: attitudes of Khrushchev and Kennedy; Hot-line; Moscow Test…

The idea

Following the Cuban Missile Crisis, Khrushchev and Kennedy's attitudes shifted towards cooperation to avoid mutually assured destruction. This led to the 1963 Washington-Moscow Hot-line, ensuring direct communication to prevent accidental conflict. Concurrently, the Moscow Test Ban Treaty prohibited nuclear testing in the atmosphere, space, and underwater. Cooperative momentum continued with the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, aiming to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons to other states. Furthermore, both superpowers agreed to a cut back in materials for nuclear weapons, reducing the production of fissile materials like enriched uranium to demonstrate a tangible commitment to de-escalating the Cold War arms race.

What earns the marks

• Analyse how the near-miss of the Cuban Missile Crisis fundamentally altered the attitudes of both Kennedy and Khrushchev towards bilateral cooperation.
• Explain the practical and symbolic significance of the Hot-line in crisis management between Washington and Moscow.
• Evaluate the limitations and achievements of the Moscow Test Ban Treaty, noting its failure to ban underground testing.
• Assess the geopolitical impact of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the mutual agreement to cut back on fissile materials for nuclear weapons.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Stating the Moscow Test Ban Treaty banned all nuclear testing.

  Put it right: Clarify that it only banned testing in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater; underground testing was still permitted.

• Confusing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (1968) with later SALT agreements.

  Put it right: Distinguish the NPT as an agreement to stop the spread of nuclear technology to new countries, rather than limiting existing superpower arsenals.

• Assuming the Hot-line was a literal red telephone.

  Put it right: Explain that the original Hot-line was a secure teletype connection, chosen to ensure written, translatable communication rather than spontaneous verbal exchanges.

Exam tips

• Use the concept of 'Mutually Assured Destruction' (MAD) to explain the shift in superpower attitudes towards arms control.
• Link the cut back in nuclear materials directly to the economic pressures both superpowers faced in maintaining the arms race.
• Contrast the cooperative achievements of the 1960s with the ongoing proxy conflicts to provide a nuanced view of détente.