From Détente to the End of the Cold War, c1963-1991

Why did Détente fail?

1. Trigger for failure of detente and 2^nd Cold War beginning = 1979 invasion of Afghanistan

2. Successes of detente mixed – Little achieved in real terms

3. Impact on arms race minimal

4. Tension not reduced in some parts of world - actions in 3^rd world seemed to indicate USSR expanding influence upsetting many in west – increasing distrust of USSR 

5. Domestic mood in US – election of Reagan and rise of Republican right – ideological continuity

6. USSR also some elements opposed détente