Success or failure? |
What is Detente?
-Means a relaxing of tension (French word) -Between 1968 to 1980, the USA, USSR, PRC and European nations all pursued policies designed to establish more stable relations and reduce the threat of nuclear war. -It was sort of similar to the 'thaw' in tensions of the 1950s, yet despite the successes of detente it didn't alter the fundamental nature of the Cold War -Most considered a failure as it didn't end the War but it did prevent nuclear war Was Detente a success or failure? Success = It reduced tensions, led to nuclear arms reductions, necessary strategy to manage Cold War competition, better relations between China and USA, political stability in Europe Failure = Allowed USSR to strengthen economy and active nuclear equality with USA, Detente 'used' by USSR, Cold war spread to other areas such as Middle East/Africa, Soviets invaded Afghanistan Soviet reasons for Detente: -USSR's economy was stagnating by the 1960s, its planned economy prioritized arms production over consumer goods -Low living standards in USSR which fueled civil unrest -Short border war between USSR and China -Nuclear parity between USSR and USA, both could threaten each other and negotiate from a position of strength American reasons for Detente: -The Vietnam War had isolated the USA internationally and caused tension amongst its allies -Vietnam War also drained billions of US money and resources China's reasons for Detente: -Wanted to gain leverage over USSR -Wanted to increase international relations (UN) and seize back control of Taiwan -Gain economic advantages by having access to Western technology European reasons for Detente: -The crises of the 1960s over Cuba and Berlin had worried European nations who were on the front line of another potential nuclear war -The Soviet Bloc was also keen for a formal peace treaty accepting new post-war doers and acceptance of a unified Germany Successes of Detente: -The biggest policy of Detente was the nuclear arm reductions. The Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT 1) in 1972: -->ABM Treaty - Anti-ballistic missiles were allowed at only 2 sites, with no more than 100 missiles. -->Basic Principles Agreement - Created new rules for the conduct of nuclear war -SALT followed up with Nixon's visit to Moscow in 1972 and 1974, while Brezhnev also visited Washington in 1973 -SALT was successful because it institutionalized arms control and committed both nations to formal rules and goals -However, it only regulated nuclear war but didn't call for disarmament SALT2: (1974-1979) -A limit on nuclear delivery vehicles like ICBMs and heavy bombers -A ban on testing new types of ICBMs and new weapon systems -Negotiations were criticized within the USA as many believed it only limited US power, enabling the USSR to catch up with the USA Successes of Detente: -Moscow Treaty 1970 was signed by the USSR, West Germany and Poland, it accepted the border between East/West Germany -Basic Treaty 1972 signed by the East and West Germany, both accepting the existence of each other and promised to increase trade links -Agreement on the prevention of nuclear war -The agreements between the 2 Germany led to a huge reduction in tensions -In 1973 the UN recognized both West and East Germany as sovereign states -After Nixon's visit to China in 1972 China and USA relations began to be normalized -The USA dropped its objections to China and allowed it to have a seat in the UN -The Final Act Agreement of the European Security Conference that began in Helsinki in 1973 and signed on 1st August 1975. --> Everyone to respect the new borders, closer ties in economics, science, culture, respect for human rights and individual freedom on both sides -The US thought Helsinki was a major success because it had committed the USSR to giving more political freedom to people in Eastern Europe Why did Detente fail? Yom Kippur - In Oct 1973 the Yom Kippur war began when neighboring states of Israel attacked Israel --> Israel was a US ally in the region, and both sides had originally promised o inform each other in case of a conflict, people suspected the surprise attack was ordered by the Soviets Africa - USSR was funding revolutionary movements in Africa Economics - By the late 1970s the US had a growing economy and recovered from the oil price crisis of 1973, while the USSR economy was rapidly declining, this therefore meant that the US had less need for economic co-operation with the USSR. Afghanistan - In 1979 the USSR invaded Afghanistan with the US already concerned about USSR's expansion into the Middle East. It seemed to confirm the US idea that the USSR did not seek to undermine the balance of power in the world. The USA responded by refusing to sign the SALT2 after several years of negotiations and stopped electronic exports to the USSR and boycotting the 1980 Moscow Olympics. The Carter Doctrine was set up to be committed for the USA to intervene the crisis in the Middle East and defend US interests in the Persian Gulf. The Second Cold War 1980s: -Carter's reputation was severely damaged by his handling of the Islamic Revolution in 1979 in Iran when Iranian revolutionists forced the anti-communist US-backed Shah out of power. -With the end of Detente in 1979, the USA reacted by electing strongly anti-communist Ronald Reagan as President in 1980. -Ronald Reagan was famed for his anti-communist ideology (e.g his recording of anti-communist rants), he called the USSR an 'evil empire' and believed Detente had been a failure, he also believed that the USA could win the Cold War by being more aggressive. -Ronald Reagan increased defense spending by 13% in 1982 and by 8% for the following 2 years and developed new nuclear weapons, stealth bombers and submarines. -He also set up a Strategic Defense Initiative in 1983 that could create a laser based satellite to shoot lasers in case of a war from space. -The Reagan Doctrine increased global support for anti-communist regimes in El Salvador, Nicaragua, Grenada and Afghanistan and restricted US trade with USSR. -Therefore the Detente is often seen as a failure because it only increased tensions for a second Cold War. -Relations also went back to rock bottom when in 1983 a USSR shot down a Korean Airliner traveling from the USA to Seoul, thinking it was some sort of military spy plane. |
Détente Essay Plan
|
Question: Despite the claims of those who promoted Détente, its achievements were limited.' To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Detente was unsuccessful, although it helped to reduce tensions it wasn't the direct cause for the end of Cold War |