The ideological division between East and West, communism and capitalism, culminated in a nuclear arms race, which had the potential to destroy the whole world. After going through various crises, which will be presented to you in this paper, like for example the extremely dangerous Cuban missile crisis in 1962, the involved states realized that without a rapprochement on governmental level a competition for global predominance would potentially destroy the whole world. One first step on the way to détente was the installation of the Moscow–Washington hotline. The “red telephone” or the “heiße Draht” how we call it in Germany, was approved by an agreement on June 20, 1963 in Geneva, Switzerland. Other reasons for a political approximation were to be found in the domestic affairs of the U.S.A and the Soviet Union: “From the American perspective, the debacle in Vietnam had, by the late 1960´s, proven costly in terms of life lost and the expenditures incurred, while it had simultaneously undermined the United States prestige around the globe. (…) Weaknesses in the Soviet economy – the need for access to Western markets and technology – provided an additional rationale for Moscow´s interest in Detènte”.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Emergence of Cold War
3. Events of the East-West Conflict
3.1 Berlin Crisis I
3.2 The German Question
3.3 Korean War
3.4 Berlin Crisis II
3.5 Cuban Missile Crisis
3.6 Vietnam
4. German Détente
4.1 Treaties
5. Superpower Détente
5.1 Treaties
6. End of Détente
7. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the emergence of détente during the Cold War, analyzing how geopolitical tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, as well as the specific German context, necessitated a shift from confrontation to negotiation. It explores the mechanisms that led to political rapprochement and assesses the impact of these policies on international relations.
- Origins and ideological underpinnings of the Cold War.
- Key crisis points: Berlin, the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and Vietnam.
- Development of "Ostpolitik" and German-German relations.
- Strategic shifts in superpower diplomacy, including the SALT agreements.
- The factors contributing to the eventual decline of the détente period.
Excerpt from the Book
Berlin Crisis I
As already mentioned Berlin, as a city in the middle of the Soviet occupation zone, always took on a special role within the political “games” of the two superpowers. Due to its geographical position Berlin was extremely vulnerable. In case of a war Berlin would have been the first collateral or dead pledge (Faustpfand) for the Soviets.
In 1948 the Western allies tried to consolidate their occupation zones in Western Germany. Against French opposition, the Western allies decided during the London conference in June, 1948 that Germany should have a formal constitution and hence should become an independent state again. As part of this process the United States, France and Britain took steps to reform the currency in the parts of Germany they occupied. The new currency, over which the Soviets would have no control, was also to become established in the Western parts of Berlin. The USSR of course did not embrace the notion of a new strong Germany with a competing currency in Soviet territory. The Soviet leadership responded by installing their own new currency in East Berlin just 24 hours before the West Mark was about to go into circulation.
Then, on the June 24, 1948, the Soviets started to blockade the city; cutting off all land and rail routes into the Western sectors. Besides the reaction to the latter, one aim was presumably to force the Western allies to allow the Soviets to start supplying Berlin with food and fuel and thereby giving the Soviets practical control over the entire city of Berlin:
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the conceptual definition of détente and sets the historical context of the Cold War division between communism and capitalism.
Emergence of Cold War: Reflects on the origins of the Cold War starting from 1917 and the subsequent postwar breakdown of relations between the victorious powers.
Events of the East-West Conflict: Summarizes the major crises, including the Berlin Crises, the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and Vietnam, highlighting their role in shaping the bipolar world.
German Détente: Analyzes the emergence of "Ostpolitik" and the diplomatic efforts initiated by Willy Brandt to improve relations between the FRG and the GDR.
Superpower Détente: Explores the shift in American and Soviet policies leading to strategic negotiations and the cooling of direct tensions.
End of Détente: Discusses the factors leading to the decline of the détente policy in the late 1970s, including leadership changes and shifting domestic priorities.
Conclusion: Synthesizes the main arguments regarding the influence of ideological differences, specific crises, and the eventual impact of détente on the end of the Cold War.
Keywords
Cold War, Détente, Ostpolitik, Berlin Crisis, Cuban Missile Crisis, Communism, Capitalism, Willy Brandt, Soviet Union, United States, SALT, Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Superpower, Partition of Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper examines the history of the Cold War with a specific focus on the emergence and eventual demise of the détente policy between the East and West blocs.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The study covers the geopolitical origins of the Cold War, key crisis events, the unique role of Germany in international relations, and the evolution of diplomacy from confrontation to negotiation.
What is the main research question or goal?
The goal is to understand the historical mechanisms and political reasons that led to the development of détente during the Cold War, and to assess whether this period fundamentally altered the Cold War structure.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The work utilizes a historical-analytical approach, reviewing literature and historical events to establish the timeline and causal links between major crises and policy shifts.
What is discussed in the main part of the paper?
The main part details the chronology of the East-West conflict, including the Korean War, the Berlin crises, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the development of the "New Ostpolitik" under Willy Brandt.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include Cold War, Détente, Ostpolitik, Geopolitics, Bipolarity, and Nuclear Arms Race.
How did the Korean War influence Cold War policy?
The Korean War acted as the first "hot war" of the era, intensifying the bipolar worldview and accelerating the militarization of alliances like NATO.
What was the significance of the "New Ostpolitik"?
It represented an independent German approach to bridge the divide between East and West, focusing on small-scale agreements and diplomatic rapprochement with the Eastern Bloc.
Why did the détente period eventually end?
The end was attributed to domestic political shifts in the superpowers, leadership changes, and external events like the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
- Quote paper
- Nemo Tronnier (Author), 2009, The Emergence of Detente in the Cold War, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/150609
