The détente Cold War period marked a major shift in relations between the United States and Soviet Union. After years of nuclear brinkmanship and confrontation, both superpowers increasingly sought to manage their rivalry through diplomacy, arms control and negotiation.

Détente developed from the early 1960s and became particularly significant during the 1970s. Although the United States and Soviet Union remained ideological enemies, both recognised the dangers of uncontrolled confrontation.

The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 had demonstrated how easily the Cold War could bring the world towards nuclear war. Consequently, American and Soviet leaders explored new ways to reduce tensions without abandoning their wider political and strategic objectives.

Several factors encouraged this change. Nuclear weapons created the possibility of mutual destruction, while the enormous cost of the arms race placed pressure on both countries. Meanwhile, the Vietnam War created difficulties for the United States, while the Sino-Soviet split changed the balance of power within the communist world.

This article examines the causes of détente in the Cold War, the major diplomatic developments of the period and the reasons why détente eventually collapsed.

Détente: What You Need to Know

Period: c.1963–1979
Meaning: 
A relaxation of tensions between the USA and USSR
Key causes: 
Nuclear danger, economic pressures, Vietnam and the Sino-Soviet split
Key figures: 
Richard Nixon, Henry Kissinger and Leonid Brezhnev
Key agreements: 
Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, SALT I, ABM Treaty and Helsinki Accords
Major turning point: 
Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, 1979
Overall judgement: 
Détente reduced tensions but did not end the Cold War.

Table of Contents

1. What Was Détente in the Cold War?
2. What Was Brinkmanship?
3. Why Did Détente Develop?
4. The Nuclear Arms Race and Détente
5. The Hot Line Agreement
6. SALT I and SALT II
7. The Helsinki Accords
8. The Vietnam War and Détente
9. The Sino-Soviet Split and Détente
10. Nixon, Kissinger and Détente
11. Why Did Détente Collapse?
12. Was Détente Successful?
13. Why Was Détente Important in the Cold War?
14. Brinkmanship vs Détente
15. Key Questions and Analytical Conclusions
16. Détente Cold War: Key Dates
17. Possible Essay Questions
18. Conclusion
19. Historical Evaluation: How Successful Was Détente?
20. How Apollo Scholars Can Help

Frequently Asked Questions

What was détente in the Cold War?
Détente describes the period when tensions between the United States and Soviet Union eased, particularly during the late 1960s and 1970s.

Why did détente develop?
Several factors encouraged détente, including the danger of nuclear war, economic pressures, the Vietnam War and the Sino-Soviet split.

When did détente begin?
Historians generally associate the beginning of détente with the period following the Cuban Missile Crisis, particularly from 1963 onwards.

What were SALT I and SALT II?
The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks produced agreements designed to restrict aspects of the American and Soviet strategic nuclear arsenals.

What were the Helsinki Accords?
The Helsinki Accords were signed in 1975 and sought to improve East-West relations through agreements concerning security, cooperation and human rights.

Why did détente collapse?
The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 severely damaged relations and helped bring the period of détente to an end.

Was détente successful?
Détente achieved important diplomatic and arms-control agreements, but it did not end the Cold War or eliminate superpower competition.

Cold War Revision Guide: Rise, Rivalry and Collapse 1945 – 1991