To what extent were the superpowers committed to détente?

In the period 1972-1979 the superpowers were reconciled to but never committed to détente, in the sense of a comprehensive relaxation of tensions. Crucially neither superpower intended détente as settling Cold War issues but an alternate means of each power consolidating their own strength. Whereas there was a perceptive commitment to arms controls, both continued to maintain their influence in global conflicts contravening each other’s interest. Although Brezhnev was greatly committed to soviet perception of détente, ultimately neither side was prepared to sacrifice international standing for the sake of relaxed tensions. It is primarily American who can be blamed for the breakdown in détente; as soon as it didn’t satify their objectives they abandoned the US soviet relationship completely. 

Answered by History tutor

4121 Views

See similar History A Level tutors

Related History A Level answers

All answers ▸

Assess the reasons why Northern hostility towards the South grew in the years 1850–1861.


‘Henry’s treatment of his sons was a more important cause of the Great Rebellion than his baronial policy.’


Assess the significance of the role of the Papacy in bringing about change to the nature and purpose of crusading in the years 1095-1215


What problems faced the new Stuart monarchy upon the accession of James I in 1603?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning