CW31+Reasons+for+Detente

= Economic and political reasons for détente =


 * Political reasons for détente**


 * Cuban Missile Crisis brought US and USSR to the brink of war.
 * France took a more independent policy direction from the 1960s.
 * West German ostpolitik showed that relations could be improved.
 * Sino-Soviet split and growing Soviet strength brought a rapprochement between US and China.
 * Domestic politics: the public mood for détente in US was increasing, especially as a result of the unpopularity of the Vietnam War, and growing disarmament movement.


 * Economic reasons for détente**


 * Arms spending was unsustainable for both the US and USSR. USSR needed to spend more of GDP on arms than the US to maintain parity with US.
 * Vietnam War was having economic impact on US. Détente could help US get out of Vietnam.
 * USSR needed greater international trade, with West, for economy to develop.
 * Improved US-China relations could leave USSR economically isolated.