What was Détente? The Cold War. Detente is French for relaxation or known as a thawing in...

Detente is French for relaxation or known as a thawing in relations between the USSR & USA. During the Cold War there were periods when relations between the superpowers improved, when tensions were reduced. Detente is French for relaxation or known as a thawing in relations between the USSR & USA. During the Cold War there were periods when relations between the superpowers improved, when tensions were reduced. BUT. conventional forces: no agreement to reduce forces, USSR wanted larger army. SALT II : never really happened BUT. conventional forces: no agreement to reduce forces, USSR wanted larger army. SALT II : never really happened Detente Nixon & Brezhnev Summits x 5:. SALT I (1972): limit nuclear missiles & bombers. SALT II (1975): further limits but stopped because of Afghanistan. joint space mission: shook hands in space. trade links: more trade between West & East Detente Nixon & Brezhnev Summits x 5:. SALT I (1972): limit nuclear missiles & bombers. SALT II (1975): further limits but stopped because of Afghanistan. joint space mission: shook hands in space. trade links: more trade between West & East