Define the foreign policy of détente.

Read widely, take good notes, and let us know what you discover.

http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GGGE_enUS379US379&aq=f&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=foreign+policy+of+d%C3%A9tente

The foreign policy of détente refers to a period of eased tensions and improved relations between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War era. It aimed to reduce the risk of nuclear war and promote greater cooperation between the two superpowers.

To understand the concept of détente, it is important to look at its historical context. Détente emerged as a response to increased fears of nuclear war during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, which brought the U.S. and the Soviet Union to the brink of conflict. It was also influenced by the escalating costs of the arms race and a growing recognition that the Cold War confrontation could potentially lead to a catastrophic global conflict.

Détente was not a formal policy or treaty, but rather a strategy pursued by both the United States and the Soviet Union. It was characterized by several key features:

1. Arms Control: Both countries engaged in negotiations to limit and reduce the number of nuclear weapons. This included agreements such as the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) and the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty.

2. Diplomacy and Dialogue: There was an emphasis on diplomatic engagement and open channels of communication between the two superpowers. This included high-level summit meetings, such as the 1972 Summit in Moscow between U.S. President Richard Nixon and Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev.

3. Trade and Cultural Exchanges: Détente also facilitated increased trade and cultural exchanges between the United States and the Soviet Union. This helped to foster mutual understanding and build bridges between the two societies.

4. Regional Conflicts: Both superpowers sought to reduce their involvement in regional conflicts that were considered potential flashpoints for the Cold War. This was exemplified by the U.S. withdrawal from the Vietnam War and efforts to negotiate peace settlements in conflicts such as the Arab-Israeli dispute.

To understand the foreign policy of détente, one can study historical documents, books, and articles that discuss the key events and negotiations during that period. Analysis by political scientists, historians, and experts in international relations can provide insights into the motivations, successes, and limitations of détente as a foreign policy approach.