All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Which one of the following causes resulted in the failure of US – Soviet détente ?

The correct answer is
Proxy wars

Détente Failure Causes

Détente represented a period of eased Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the 1970s. Its eventual failure stemmed from several factors.

Proxy Wars' Impact on Détente

The most significant cause for the breakdown of détente was the continuation and escalation ofproxy wars. These conflicts saw the superpowers backing opposing sides in regional disputes, which significantly increased mutual suspicion and rivalry.

  • Examples include conflicts like the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and interventions in Africa and Latin America.
  • These actions directly undermined the policy of détente by intensifying confrontation.

Analysis of Other Factors

  • Domestic developments: Internal issues within the US or USSR were less direct causes compared to external conflicts.
  • Resource scarcity: While economic factors influenced policies, they were not the primary trigger for détente's collapse.
  • Technological supremacy: The ongoing arms race and pursuit of military advantage contributed to tension but weren't the direct cause of détente failing.

Consequently, proxy wars stand out as the critical factor leading to the end of the US-Soviet détente period.

Was this answer helpful?

Important Questions from Contemporary World Politics - Teaching

  1. Which of the following country is not a member of ASEAN :
  2. Arrange the following events in a chronological ascending order during the post cold war period and used the code given below :
    (i) Civil war in former Yugoslavia
    (ii) Russia’s invasion on Georgia
    (iii) US led invasion of Afghanistan
    (iv) Rwandan genocide
    Codes :
  3. Which one of the following counties launched firstly the pre-emptive air strike during the Arab-Israel War of 1967 ?
  4. Identify the correct code for the Assertion (A) and Reason (R) as given below :
    Assertion (A) : The number of refugees worldwide continues to increase and the problems have not been resolved so far.
    Reason (R) : The proliferation of ethnic, religious and territorial conflicts exacerbates refugee problems which are often over-looked as primary causes of refugee generation.
    Codes :
  5. Identify the correct code for the Assertion (A) and Reason (R) as given below :
    Assertion (A) : There is little motivation against European to bring Ukraine into EU fold.
    Reason (R) : From the peace building perspective of the EU, it follows that any expansion of Europe must reduce the overall level of hostility of the continent.
    Codes :
Need Expert Advice?

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App