America's Foreign Policy Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The main goal of the détente strategy was to create a mutual sense of satisfaction internationally. Détente, which means relaxation in French, represented a period during the Cold War when the United States sought to improve its relationship with the Soviet Union and ease the tensions that had characterized the previous decades. This approach involved diplomacy, negotiation, and engagement rather than confrontation and hostility.

By establishing treaties and agreements, such as the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT), both superpowers aimed to manage their competition and reduce the risk of nuclear conflict, which contributed to greater international stability and a more predictable geopolitical landscape. The focus on finding common ground and acknowledging each other's interests fostered a climate of cooperation that was intended to benefit both nations and the broader global community, thereby fulfilling the goal of mutual satisfaction.