"Evaluate the causes for, and significance of, the policy of detente between the US and USSR between 1971 and 1979"

The podcast covers the following factors:

Economic > the financial benefits of reducing arms expenditure for a US drained by the Vietnam War and for a USSR that faced a stalled economy and weak satellite states.

Military > both countries were deeply aware of their nuclear capabilities (MAD: mutually assured destruction), and having achieved parity, were more prepared to discuss arms limitation.

Politically > (a) the US potential gain from the Sino–Soviet split by fostering separate relationships with both countries whilst driving them further apart;

Politically > (b) the Soviet wish to secure American recognition of the post-war borders of its satellite states;

Politically > (c) the impact of Ostpolitik which had relaxed tension in Europe and encouraged trade.