What was Nixon's policy of détente?

Nixon's policy of détente represents a concerted effort to ease the geopolitical tensions that characterized the Cold War, particularly between the United States and its primary adversaries, the Soviet Union and China. This approach was significant because it marked a shift from earlier Cold War strategies that emphasized confrontation and the arms race.

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, tensions had escalated due to military conflicts, particularly the Vietnam War, and the ongoing buildup of nuclear arsenals. Détente involved various diplomatic initiatives, including arms control agreements like the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) and the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, which aimed to cap the proliferation of nuclear weapons and reduce the risk of direct conflict.

Additionally, Nixon's visit to China in 1972 symbolized a thaw in U.S.-China relations, breaking years of isolation and setting the stage for a more pragmatic and cooperative relationship. This broader approach ultimately aimed to create a more stable international environment through diplomacy rather than military confrontation, making this answer the most accurate reflection of Nixon's strategy during this period.