Détente is a strategy of easing geopolitical tensions between nations; used in particular to describe attempts to “cool off” antagonism during the Cold War.

A term derived from French, meaning a relaxation or easing, détente is used often specifically in the context of international relations. It’s a diplomatic strategy aimed at reducing tensions between rival countries or blocs, often through dialogue, negotiations, and agreements that foster trust and cooperation.

This concept became particularly prominent during the Cold War era, notably between the United States and the Soviet Union, as both superpowers sought to manage and mitigate the risk of direct conflict, especially nuclear war. Detente involved various treaties and agreements on arms control, such as the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT), which aimed to curb the arms race and establish a framework for stable and peaceful coexistence.

More diplomacy… sort of.

The era of detente is marked by a shift from overt hostility and competition to a more diplomatic approach, where dialogue and negotiation became key tools in international policy. This period saw an increase in diplomatic exchanges, trade agreements, and collaborative efforts in areas like space exploration and environmental protection, indicating a mutual interest in reducing the likelihood of war and addressing global challenges together.

However, detente was not a straightforward path to peace; it faced numerous challenges and criticisms, with detractors arguing that it allowed rivals to gain strategic advantages. The fluctuating nature of international relations eventually led to the decline of detente by the late 1970s and early 1980s, as new tensions emerged, but the concept remains a significant aspect of diplomatic history and strategy.