Détente

Under détente refers to the policy of conciliation of different States at the diplomatic level. So try the participating States, disputes with the help of a neutral mediator to resolve in the way of compromise and to anchor in contracts. Next you're looking for by agreements in advance to counteract an escalation of political and military disputes and crisis situations. Criticism of the policy of detente express hardliners and conservatives who fear this loss of one's own strength.

Relaxation and convergence in the German - German question

In Germany, the reign of Chancellor Willy Brandt was characterized by the policy of détente. Through the Cold War, the arms race and the constant confrontation between the Eastern and Western powers in 1969 talks with Poland were led and initiated negotiations to renounce violence with the USSR, East Germany and the other countries of the Warsaw Pact from him. The Erfurt summit with East German Prime Minister Willi Stoph marked the symbolic beginning. With the Eastern Treaties the new borders were recognized as the Oder- Neisse border. Willy Brandt's laying a wreath in Warsaw was another step on the way to mutual recognition. Richard Nixon, U.S. president from the beginning 1969-1974 supported, ( after initial skepticism ) Brandt 's Ostpolitik. On December 7, 1970, the Warsaw Treaty by Willy Brandt and Walter Scheel ( Foreign Minister ) was signed. Despite strong criticism, the flow path was continued by the successor, which led to the reunification of Germany.

Stations of détente during the Cold War

• Cold War
• Policy in 1969
• Foreign Affairs ( Soviet Union)
• Foreign Policy (United States)
• Foreign Policy ( Germany )