America's Foreign Policy Practice Ecam

Nixon and Kissinger's foreign policy approach towards the Soviet Union is best described by the concept of detente. This term refers to the easing of strained relations between the United States and the Soviet Union during the late 1960s and 1970s, characterized by increased diplomatic engagement, arms control agreements, and a greater emphasis on dialogue over confrontation.

Detente was significant in that it represented a shift from the more aggressive policies of containment, which sought to prevent the spread of communism through direct confrontation and military intervention. Instead, detente aimed for stability through negotiation and mutual concessions, reflecting a pragmatic recognition of the complexities of the Cold War landscape.

Key events during this period, such as the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) and the signing of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, embodied the principles of detente. Nixon and Kissinger believed that by reducing tensions and fostering cooperation, both superpowers could avoid nuclear conflict and work towards peaceful coexistence.

The other concepts, while important in the broader context of U.S. foreign policy, do not encapsulate the specific approach of Nixon and Kissinger towards the Soviet Union during this era. Isolationism refers to a policy of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other groups