Key topic 3: The end of the Cold War, 1970–91 - 1 Attempts to reduce…

The idea

Détente refers to the period of relaxed tensions between the USA and the USSR during the 1970s. Both superpowers had compelling reasons to seek improved relations: the USA was economically drained by the Vietnam War and facing domestic unrest, while the USSR needed to reduce defence spending to improve living standards and address a technological gap. The Sino-Soviet split also encouraged the USSR to seek better terms with the USA, just as Nixon's visit to China in 1972 pressured Moscow into negotiations. Attempts to reduce tensions included high-level diplomacy, such as the Apollo-Soyuz joint space mission in 1975, which symbolised cooperation. This era was defined by a shift from brinkmanship to negotiation, laying the groundwork for major arms control treaties.

What earns the marks

• Détente was driven by the mutual desire to avoid nuclear war and reduce the crippling economic costs of the arms race.
• The USA sought détente to facilitate an honourable exit from the Vietnam War and address domestic economic issues.
• The USSR pursued détente to access Western technology, improve domestic living standards, and secure its borders following the Sino-Soviet split.
• Nixon's diplomatic visit to China in 1972 played a crucial role in pressuring the Soviet Union to engage in détente with the USA.
• Symbolic acts of cooperation, such as the 1975 Apollo-Soyuz space mission, demonstrated the practical attempts to reduce superpower tensions.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Assuming détente meant the end of the Cold War.

  Put it right: It was merely a temporary relaxation of tensions, and ideological rivalry continued.

• Stating that only the USA wanted détente.

  Put it right: Both superpowers had strong economic and political motivations for reducing tensions.

• Confusing détente with appeasement.

  Put it right: détente involved mutual agreements and arms limitations, not one-sided concessions.

Exam tips

• Clearly articulate the distinct motivations for both the USA and the USSR in pursuing détente to show a balanced understanding.
• Use the Apollo-Soyuz mission as a concrete example of how attempts to reduce tensions manifested in practical cooperation.
• Link the concept of détente to the broader context of the Sino-Soviet split and triangular diplomacy.