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detente

noun

/deɪˈtɑnt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of detente

A relaxation of tensions or hostilities between nations, especially in the context of international relations.
"The two countries entered a period of détente after years of conflict."

Detailed meaning of detente

The term is often used to describe a period of reduced conflict and increased diplomacy between two or more countries, marked by a decrease in military activity, improved communication, and a willingness to engage in dialogue and negotiation. The concept of détente gained prominence during the Cold War, when the United States and the Soviet Union sought to ease tensions and reduce the risk of nuclear war. Détente was also a key component of U.S. foreign policy in the 1970s, as President Nixon pursued a policy of engagement with China and the Soviet Union. Today, the term is still used to describe efforts to reduce tensions and promote peaceful coexistence between nations.

Example sentences containing detente

1. Diplomacy led to a historic detente, reducing international tensions.
2. Maintaining detente demands continuous dialogue and cooperation.
3. Cultural exchanges promote global understanding and detente.
4. Economic ties often drive regional detente efforts.
5. Humanitarian aid contributes to detente in conflict zones.
6. Detente relies on compromise and a commitment to peace.

History and etymology of detente

The noun 'détente' has a relatively modern etymology, with its origins in the French language. It stems from the French word 'détendre,' which means 'to relax' or 'to ease.' In the context of international relations, particularly during the Cold War era, 'détente' came into widespread use in the 1960s and 1970s to describe a period of relaxation of political and military tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. This period was marked by efforts to reduce the threat of nuclear conflict and promote cooperation in various areas. The term 'détente' emphasizes the idea of easing or relaxing strained relations between nations, encapsulating its French etymological roots of tension relief and peaceful diplomacy.

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Further usage examples of detente

1. The media plays a pivotal role in fostering detente worldwide.
2. Political will is crucial for achieving lasting detente.
3. Trust-building measures are vital for detente to succeed.
4. A spirit of cooperation can pave the way for regional detente.
5. Global organizations work to facilitate international detente.
6. The peace talks aimed to secure a lasting detente agreement.
7. Detente hinges on leaders' commitment to peaceful solutions.
8. Diplomatic efforts strive to achieve lasting detente.
9. International alliances aim to promote regional detente.
10. The ceasefire marked a crucial step toward regional detente.
11. The summit's success signaled a breakthrough in detente.
12. Building bridges between nations is key to achieving detente.
13. Economic partnerships foster trust and detente between nations.
14. Detente requires addressing the root causes of conflicts.
15. Détente allowed for greater communication and cooperation between the nations.
16. The Cold War saw several attempts at détente between the US and USSR.
17. The US pursued a policy of détente with China in the 1970s.
18. The success of détente depended on both sides' willingness to negotiate.
19. Détente was a welcome relief from the tension of the Cold War.
20. The treaty represented a major step toward détente between the two nations.
21. The leaders' meeting was a promising sign for future détente efforts.
22. Détente required compromise and mutual respect.
23. The policy of détente helped prevent a nuclear war.
24. The failure of détente led to renewed conflict between the nations.
25. Détente remains an important goal in international relations today.