Whats is an example of a change in political relations between powers that was in part the result of a change in discourse?

An example of a change in political relations between powers that was in part the result of a change in discourse is the détente era between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

To understand how a change in discourse influenced this political shift, we must first define détente. Détente refers to a period of reduced tensions and improved relations between the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, which occurred in the 1970s.

During the early Cold War period, the dominant discourse in both the United States and the Soviet Union was characterized by aggressive rhetoric, ideological hostility, and a constant fear of nuclear war. However, this discourse started to change in the late 1960s and early 1970s due to several factors:

1. Shift in public opinion: The anti-war movement, civil rights movement, and protests against the Vietnam War played a significant role in shifting public opinion in the United States. Many Americans grew tired of the ongoing conflicts and saw the need for a more peaceful approach.

2. Leadership changes: There were leadership changes in both countries. In the United States, Presidents Nixon and Ford adopted a more pragmatic approach and began to realize the limitations of a confrontational stance towards the Soviet Union. Meanwhile, the Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev sought stability and peaceful coexistence.

3. Arms race and economic strain: The escalating arms race between the superpowers had become economically burdensome for both countries. The financial strain led to a realization that a more cooperative approach could alleviate these burdens and promote stability.

These changes in discourse eventually led to concrete policy changes, such as the signing of important treaties like the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) treaties and the Helsinki Accords. These agreements helped to regulate nuclear arms, reduce tensions, and foster greater engagement between the two powers.

In summary, the change in political relations between the United States and the Soviet Union during the détente era was partially influenced by a change in discourse. This shift was driven by changing public opinion, leadership changes, and the recognition of the economic and security limitations of a confrontational approach.