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What Did Detente Achieve? What did it fail to Achieve?

发布时间:2017-03-12
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WHAT DID DÉTENTE ACHIEVE? WHY DID IT FAIL TO ACHIEVE?

INTRODUCTION

Course Of Cold War

1.Cold War was a war that did not involve physically going to war between two major powers, America and the Soviet Union who were allies in World War II. It was an ideological war, geopolitical and economic and nuclear power struggle to posture one power over the other. This War started in 1947 and ended in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union [1]. At the beginning of the cold war there was a speech of resistance to communist or anti-communism by the British leader Winston Churchill on March 5, 1946. He said:

From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic an “Iron Curtain” has descended across the continent. Behind that line lie all the capitals of the ancient states of Central and Eastern Europe. Warsaw, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Bucharest and Sofia; all these famous cities and the populations around them lie in what I must call the Soviet sphere, and all are subject, in one form or another, not only to Soviet influence but to a very high and in some cases increasing measure of control from Moscow[2].

2.During Post-World War II, most of the states in Europe experienced economic disruption due to a severe winter. This hardship was feared to be a catalyst for communism expansion towards western Europe. In an attempt to mitigate the economic downturn effects, the US Congress passed a Economic Cooperation plan in March 1948 called the Marshall Plan.

Marshall Plan

3.The aim of the Basic Marshall Plan was to rebuild Europe and also attract investors to invest in this region and give a boost to the US economy. However, the Marshall Plan was only enforced in western Europe, western Europe was dominated by Russia. The sharp economic recovery in West Germany led Russia to feel suspicious and further reacted by creating the Zhdanov doctrine also known as zhdanovschina.

Zhdanov Doctrine

4.Zhdanov doctrine produced by the Central Committee Secretary Andrei Zhdanov in 1946 was aimed at dividing Europe into two camps, namely Imperialistic led by the United States and the democratic led by the Soviet Union[3]. Russia felt that America wanted to dominate the economy and undermine democracy with that imperialism should be abolished and strengthen democracy. Due to tension caused by Russia to create Zhdanov doctrine. United States Embassy created a "Long Telegram" written by George Kennan Deputy Chief of Mission in Moscow:

Soviet power, unlike that of Hitlerite Germany, is neither schematic nor adventuristic. It does not work by fixed plans. It does not take unnecessary risks. [It is] Impervious to [the] logic of reason, and it is highly sensitive to [the] logic of force. For this reason it can easily withdraw—and usually does when strong resistance is encountered at any point[4].

5.In the "Long Telegram" George Kennan stated that dealing with the Soviet is a difficult task and organizing concepts that form the basis of US policy in the cold war of the Soviet Union clearly visible decline of capitalism and non-capitalist leftist but i assume state enemy worse than capitalist practice. According to Kennen, Possibilities for the Soviet Union to live in peace is difficult and state capitalism a threat to socialist ideals and unreliable. The Soviet Union has always taken advantage of the countries in the world[5].

6.The fact that the Soviet Union was uncomfortable and angry, however, did not take military action as the two countries had fought together during World War II and it is impossible for the two big countries to fight openly. The next cold war continued until 1960 when John F. Kennedy was sworn in as president and the friendship erupted in August 1961 in which the Soviet Union built the Berlin Wall to separate between West German and East. The purpose of the wall was to prevent East German citizens to flee from East to West German Communists. German citizens who cross the wall were shot[6].

Cuban Missile Crisis

7.In 1962, the Cuban missile crisis erupted and began the era of nuclear weapons production. Soviet Union sent submarines that carry nuclear missile weapons to launch a nuclear attack on the United States through Cuba. Cuba was at the time ruled by Fidel Castro openly refused America influence[7]. The above factors influence the production and the threat of nuclear weapons by other countries such as China and India pushed the United States to take action and sign a diplomatic treaty with the Soviet Union to seek safety. Production of nuclear weapons cannot be eliminated completely, but apparently can be controlled. This was to prevent the mass production of nuclear weapons worldwide. The agreement was named Detente[8].

Aim

In this Assignment will be explained in further understanding Detente, achievements and failures of security Detente on both the superpower.

DETENTE

8.Détente is from the language of France, where it intends to "reduce the tension". This is to clarify the situation and reduce tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. Initial steps taken by the United States was the visit of President Richard M. Nixon to the Secretary-General of the Soviet Communist party, Leonid I. Brezhnev, in Moscow, in May 1972[9]. In the meeting, several agreements were sealed such as, the prevention agreement combat troops accidentally, control the use of weapons, research cooperation in various fields such as space exploration and so on.

WHAT DID DÉTENTE ACHIEVE?

9.Over a period of détente, there are a lot of achievements. These achievements have an impact on international relations. Among these important achievements are[10]:

  1. SALT (Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty)

There are two agreements Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty, namely the SALT 1(signed in 1972) and SALT 11(1979). This agreement was signed between the United States and the Soviet Union[11].

  1. SALT 1

Due to the tendency towards détente in the United States and the Soviet Union relations, SALT 1 negotiations started in November 1969. This negotiation almost became a reality due to the Soviet Union in an effort to attract United States to join their ICBM launchers. This is because the United States was actively involved in the development of the Multiple Independently Targeted Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) that allow various warheads in just one missile. Both sides believed that nuclear weapons would threaten economic and political stability. SALT 1 negotiations was the first attempt involving great powers in an effort to reduce the use of nuclear weapons in the Cold War. Among the contents of the negotiations is a triad of strategic nuclear weapons: intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and strategic bombers[12].

While these negotiations succeeded, they did not reduce the number of weapons. It just froze production. In addition, the most important issue, MIRV technology was not negotiated. This agreement was signed on May 26, 1972 in Moscow witnessed by President Nixon. This agreement was ratified by both countries, United States and Soviet Union. The Soviet Union was allowed to have 1,618 ICBMs and SLBMs 950. The United States allowed to have 1,054 ICBMs and SLBMs 710. SALT 1 is part of the agreement governing nuclear attack and defense weaponry. With SALT 1, United States and Soviet signed the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty, which formed the basis for future nuclear balance[13].

  1. SALT 11

Shortly after the signing of the SALT 1, SALT 2 negotiations started when the interim agreement was about to expire in 1977. The negotiations were complicated due to the prevailing tensions between the United States and Soviet Union and internal political problems. The basic framework agreement negotiations between Gerald Ford and General Secretary of the Soviet, Leonid Breznev held at Vladivostok city in late November 1974. The Soviet Union had agreed to overall ceiling of 2,400 strategic launchers where the 1320 can be equipped with MIRV technology, at the same time not counting nuclear weapons from NATO members[14].

When Jimmy Carter resumed administration, he intended to achieve a significant reduction of nuclear weapons which was contrary to the expectations of Soviet leaders. Carter ignored the framework discussed in Vladivostok and submitted new proposals for nuclear arms reduction proposed by a seasoned diplomat. Soviet leadership saw this proposal as biased and rejected this proposal. The Soviet Union still wanted to continue the framework from Vladivostok and intended to sign it at a summit in early 1977 but missed. SALT 11 Treaty was finally signed in Vienna Summit in July 1977. SALT 11 was important so as to stabilize the nuclear balance and slow the arms race. President Carter withdrew the SALT 11 Treaty after the Soviet army invaded Afghanistan on 11 January 1980. SALT 11 failed to work. This led to the collapse of the détente between the US and the Soviet[15].

  1. Helsinki Final Act, 1975

Helsinki Final Act is an agreement that was signed at the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, held in Helsinki, Finland. its aim was to address the global issue that affected the Cold War and US-Soviet relations[16].

Helsinki Final Act is an agreement that was signed at the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), held in Helsinki, Finland. It aims to address the global issues that affect the Cold War and United States-Soviet relations. It was signed by 35 countries. In the 1950s to the 1960s there was no progress because Western countries including the United States did not want to have any discussion with the Soviets for fear of strengthening and expansion of Soviet communism. But in early 1970 during détente, western leaders tried to re-open negotiations. The discussion began with a Consultation in Helsinki in 1972 and Helsinki Final Act was signed on August 1, 1975. United States, Canada and all European countries except Albania signed it. Helsinki Final Act was divided into four main issues. The first included political and military issues. Second, economic issues. The third and the fourth was about human rights and the details of the next meeting. This act was important at the end of cold war, particularly on human rights. This act led to the establishment of close cooperation between eastern and western Europe which led to the conclusion of the Cold War and Soviet domination[17].

  1. Others

Through détente, several important agreements have been successfully signed between the United States and Soviet Union. Among them are the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM Treaty). This treaty was signed in 1972. The intention of the treaty was to limit the use of missile systems. Besides that, it produced better communication when President Richard Nixon visit to Maoist, China in 1972. Serious conflicts also could be solved either way during détente. Trade also flourished during détente.

WHY DID DÉTENTE FAIL TO ACHIEVE?

10.Many factors have contributed to the failure of detente. There are several reasons for the lack of understanding between the two countries which are, failure of US foreign policy toward Vietnam war and the Watergate scandal and Carter's involvement in human rights are seen as the major factor of opening up the gap further and caused the failure of détente.

a.Foreign policy of the United States during the Vietnam War

Vietnam and France after the war, Vietnam was divided into two northern Vietnam (communist) and South Vietnam (liberal state leadership France) in 1954. According to the Geneva Agreement in 1954, a free election will be held to unify Vietnam in 1956. As the United States was also struggling in the Cold War. The United States Domino Theory assumed if Vietnam was successfully conquered it would lead to the Fall of communism in Southeast Asia. The United States offered support and assistance to anti-communist politician Ngo Dinh Diem. After receiving help from the United States politician Ngo Dinh Diem managed to take over the government of South Vietnam in 1955 and declared a Republic of Vietnam and also cancelled the elections scheduled in 1956[18].

Diem regime was a regime that was corrupt and weak and less popular among the people of Vietnam. In 1956 the United States helped Viet cong of the National Liberation Front Ho Chi Minh overthrow Diem. For this reason and the failure of Guerrilla warfare by the Viet Cong and the US warship attack by North Vietnam in the Gulf of Tonkin led the United States to send 400,000 troops to Vietnam to attack several areas using jet fighters and the use of unconventional weapons such as napalm and the defoliant herbicide Agent orange however still making little progress[19].

Due to the growing influence of communists, the Soviet Union managed to influence the Viet Cong to join the North Vietnamese to fight the massive US military in Vietnam. The United States attacked dozens of other cities in southern Vietnam. A truce was finally signed in 1973 and the US military left Vietnam in March 1973[20].

b.Watergate Scandal

Watergate scandal was a major political scandal that occurred in the United States. It involved the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee (DCN) in 1970 under the administration of President Nixon in an attempt to cover all the actions in the various conspiracy that led to a constitutional crisis. The term Watergate covered various secret and illegal activities carried out by members of the Nixon administration. Nixon had abused kusa by disposing of all his problems by using the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)[21]. Among the mistakes that have been made are performing military operations against the population of Vietnam for which no approval of the senate was sought and launching an attack against an ally of Vietnam, Laos and Burma.

c.Jimmy Carter in human rights

Jimmy Carter, before being President was governor of the Southern State in which he is not experienced in the administration of the country and even abroad. However he has a policy and foreign policy his own. Carter believed in the rule of law in international affairs. He wanted the United States to be the leader in promoting universal human rights. In addition, he expected the relationship between the US and Soviet Union to be good[22].

During his presidency, he was influenced by the National Security Council (NSC) led by Brzezinski where it has been giving advice to always put the feelings of distrust toward the Soviet Union. Carter Brzezinski has also led to some major confrontation with Russia. Carter had taken action to concentrate massively against provocation carried out by Russia. Russia had invaded Afghanistan to defeat Islamic insurgency that overlook the United States. As a result of guerrilla warfare that occurred in Afghanistan, the United States assisted the Afghan fighters an at the same time continued US and Soviet Union negotiation on arms control, and both signed the SALT II treaty. In the agreement, both countries agreed to reduce the use of nuclear missiles. America sent the agreement to the Senate for approval, Carter withdrew the amendment, but Moscow and Washington agreed to comply with the terms of the agreement, although no confirmation by both countries[23].

11.United States foreign policy attempted to wipe out communism in Vietnam and the Watergate scandal and affairs of Moscow's intervention contributed to the Soviet Union's uncomfortability and caused Détente with the United States to run out and ineffective.

CONCLUSION

12.Significantly cold war was a war that did not involve physical confrontation by two major powers, America and the Soviet union. It was an ideological war, geopolitical and economic and involving nuclear power manufacturing. In 1962, the Cuban missile crisis erupted and began the era of nuclear weapons production.

13.The above factors, caused the two countries to try to curb the increase in the manufacture of nuclear weapons from other countries such as China and India. An action for understanding have been taken to reduce tensions between the two countries and to ensure the safety of the Détente. Détente is a word of the language of France where it intends to reduce the tension.

14. The achievement that has occurred after the détente was sealed an agreement called the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty, namely the SALT and the Helsinki agreement was signed at the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, held in Helsinki, Finland. it aimed to address the global issues that affect the Cold War and US-Soviet relations.

15.Détente was a failure due to several factors among which are Foreign policy of the United States during the Vietnam War where the aim was to eliminate communism in Vietnam. In addition, the Watergate scandal and Jimmy Carter's poor record on basic human rights caused the failure [of Détente.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

1. http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2013/11/cold-war-start-end/

2. http://historiana.eu/case-study/cold-war/churchills-iron-curtain-speech

3. https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/marshall-plan

4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhdanov_Doctrine

5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X_Article

6. http://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krisis_Peluru_Berpandu_Cuba

7. http://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/detente

8. http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/history/mwh/ir2/detenterev1.shtml

9. https://history.state.gov/milestones/1969-1976/helsinki

10. http://ww w.sparknotes.com/history/american/vietnamwar/summary.html

11. http://millercenter.org/president/carter/essays/biography/5

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[1] http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2013/11/cold-war-start-end/

[2] http://historiana.eu/case-study/cold-war/churchills-iron-curtain-speech

[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhdanov_Doctrine

[4] ibid

[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X_Article

[6] ibid

[7] http://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krisis_Peluru_Berpandu_Cuba

[8] http://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/detente

[9] ibid

[10] http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/history/mwh/ir2/detenterev1.shtml

[11] ibid

[12] ibid

[13] ibid

[14] ibid

[15] ibid

[16] https://history.state.gov/milestones/1969-1976/helsinki

[17] ibid

[18] http://www.sparknotes.com/history/american/vietnamwar/summary.html

[19] ibid

[20] ibid

[21] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watergate_scandal

[22] http://millercenter.org/president/carter/essays/biography/5

[23] ibid

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