Détente: Genesis, Evolution, and Stages

Introduction

Détente is a French word meaning “relaxation of strained political relations through dialogue and negotiation”. In international relations, the term was used in 1912 to describe the unsuccessful efforts to ease tensions between France and Germany. However, détente specifically denotes the general easing of geopolitical tensions between the Soviet Union and the United States during the Cold War. Despite occasional setbacks, it ultimately contributed to the end of the Cold War. In Russian, détente was known as “razryadka” which loosely translates to “relaxation of tension.”

Reasons for Détente

As nuclear arsenals expanded, both sides grew increasingly fearful of a catastrophic nuclear war with no real winner. The horrors of the Vietnam War also prompted a search for more peaceful solutions. Each side had specific motivations for pursuing détente:

· The USSR: The Soviet Union found the cost of competing with the American military overwhelming. Reducing defence spending was crucial to improve living standards in both the USSR and its economically struggling satellite states. The Soviet intervention in Czechoslovakia in 1968 to counter Alexander Dubcek’s reforms showed the pressures within the communist bloc. Unrest in Poland in the early 1970s further threatened stability. Additionally, deteriorating relations with China and the improving Sino-American relations since 1971 motivated the USSR to seek détente.

· The USA: The United States recognized the limits of military power, especially after the difficulties faced in Vietnam. There was a growing belief that a different approach was needed to manage communism. Some members of Congress and the Senate even began advocating for a return to isolationism.

· Western Europe: Nations in Western Europe, positioned on the front line of any potential nuclear conflict, were particularly worried. West German Chancellor Willi Brandt, who took office in 1969, pursued better relations with Eastern Europe through a policy known as Ostpolitik.

Four Stages of Détente

Détente is generally considered to have passed through four stages

Stage 1: Initial Probing

While the formal era of détente began under President Richard Nixon, earlier instances of eased tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union occurred after the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 when both nations averted World War 3 and agreed to install a direct hotline between Washington and Moscow. This hotline allowed rapid communication between leaders to prevent another potentially catastrophic confrontation. In 1963, both the USA and the USSR signed an agreement to conduct only underground nuclear tests. In 1967, they further agreed to ban the use of nuclear weapons in outer space.

Stage 2: Formal Start of Détente

After coming into power of Nixon, détente entered into its formal stage with the following developments.

1. SALT I (1972): The first breakthrough occurred in 1972 with the signing of the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT I). This treaty set limits on the number of Anti-Ballistic Missiles (ABMs), Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), and Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) each side could possess. Although it did not reduce the existing stockpiles, it succeeded in slowing the arms race. There was no agreement on Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs).
2. Summit Meetings and Trade: Presidents Brezhnev and Nixon held three summit meetings, began negotiations for a subsequent treaty known as SALT II, and the USA started exporting wheat to the USSR.
3. Helsinki Agreement (1975): Another significant step was the Helsinki Agreement in July 1975. The USA, Canada, the USSR, and most European states accepted the post-World War II European borders, effectively recognizing the division of Germany. Communist countries also pledged to uphold ‘human rights,’ including freedom of speech and the right to emigrate.

Third Stage: Challenges to Détente

Détente faced several significant setbacks, particularly in 1979. NATO grew concerned about the deployment of 150 new Russian SS-20 missiles, prompting a decision to deploy over 500 Pershing and Cruise missiles in Europe by 1983 as a deterrent against a potential Russian attack on Western Europe. Concurrently, the US Senate rejected the SALT II treaty, which aimed to limit the number of Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs).

The situation worsened when the USSR invaded Afghanistan on Christmas Day 1979, installing a president more favourable to Soviet interests. This action revived deep-seated Western suspicions of Soviet motives.

The early 1980s, often referred to as ‘the second Cold War,’ saw both superpowers intensify their nuclear arsenals. U.S. President Ronald Reagan (1981–1989) authorized the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), also known as ‘Star Wars,’ which aimed to deploy space-based systems to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles in flight.

Fourth Stage: Revival of Détente

Détente gained renewed momentum due to the efforts of the new Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev (1985–1991). In November 1985, Gorbachev met with U.S. President Ronald Reagan in Geneva, and their successful discussions led to a joint statement asserting that “nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.” This indicated that détente was back on track.

In April 1986, a catastrophic accident occurred at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine, sparking a strong anti-nuclear sentiment in the USSR. Gorbachev recognized the urgency of reducing nuclear risks and invited Reagan to a summit in Reykjavik in October 1986. There, he proposed a 15-year plan for the gradual elimination of nuclear weapons. Although Reagan was unwilling to abandon his Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), known as ‘Star Wars,’ the dialogue continued.

At their next summit in Washington in December 1987, a historic breakthrough occurred with the signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty:

INF Treaty Provisions: All land-based intermediate-range nuclear weapons (300 to 3000 miles) were to be eliminated within three years. This required the destruction of 436 American and 1,575 Soviet warheads, including all Russian missiles in East Germany and Czechoslovakia, and all American Cruise and Pershing missiles in Western Europe. Strict verification measures were put in place to ensure compliance.

Despite these achievements, the agreement addressed only about 4% of the existing nuclear arsenals and did not resolve the issue of Reagan’s SDI project, which he refused to abandon. Additionally, the treaty did not cover British and French nuclear weapons. UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was adamant about maintaining Britain’s nuclear arsenal and planned to develop more advanced Trident missiles.

Nonetheless, the INF Treaty marked a significant turning point in the nuclear arms race, as it was the first instance of weapon destruction.

By 1985, the USSR faced severe difficulties due to its involvement in Afghanistan. Despite having over 100,000 troops in the country, the Soviets could not suppress the fierce Islamic guerrillas, leading to a drain on resources and a loss of prestige. Facing hostility from China, suspicion from Islamic states, and repeated UN condemnations, Gorbachev decided it was time to withdraw. It was agreed that Soviet troops would begin withdrawing from Afghanistan on May 1, 1988, provided the Americans ceased military aid to the Afghan resistance. In June 1988, Reagan visited Moscow to discuss the implementation timeline for the INF Treaty.

Detente ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991