West European Studies

Despite being in power a couple of years apart the two leaders Presidents Nixon and Gorbachev played a great role in easing the tensions between the two protagonists in the cold war. During their reigns the two leaders initiated talks which helped to bring some semblance of ceasefire between the two sides. President Nixon may have been known as a hardliner but much credit goes to him for the role he played in cooling off the rising temperatures during his tenure.

During the entire period of conflict the tensions rose and fell as time went by.1970s witnessed one of the relaxation periods which came to be known as Detente. This is a French word which means to release the tensions. Indeed this period saw the tensions easing and the protagonist embarking on a series of negotiations which would bring temporary ceasefire. Many hoped that the new development would permanently improve the relationship between America and Soviet Union but this was never to be. The invasion of Afghanistan by Soviet Union coupled with the activities of Ronal Reagan intensified the tensions once more.

The  further fall out between two communist powers in the world, China and Soviet Union presented America with a golden chance to get a new allay who would help the situation to tilt towards American success. President Nixon took advantage of the fall out to open communication with China. This was done through Pakistan and Romania some of the close allies of China. The secretary of State then Henry Kissinger informed the Chinese leadership of United States interest to end the policy of isolation against the People Republic of China. At this time President Nixon was facing the challenge of Vietinamization of the Vietnam conflict. This entailed withdrawal of the American troops in the country and replacing them with the local fighters. This was not an easy task. The tension was mounting in and out of the United States to deal with the problem which was threatening the peace of the region and the world at large.Intensfied war in Cambodia nearly broke the talks with the Chinese government but at this time some Chinese had seen the advantages of the negotiations therefore despite government withdrawal contact continued. (Njolstad, O 2004)

The prospects of a cordial relationship between two formidable forces caused concern in Soviet Union. This prompted a summit to be organized between the leaders of Soviet and United States. This was followed by signing of an agreement to control arm race. This was a historic achievement since for the first time after several decades the two super powers came to control one of the element which was threatening world peace. An agreement was reached where the two nations agreed to avoid military confrontation and also limit their expansion ambitions. All these developments were due to the fall out and eventual warming up to China. President Nixon played a key role in ensuring that these deals were reached. On the other hand Soviet felt threatened by new improved relations therefore being forced to make concessions as far as the conflict was concerned. (Hunt, M. 2004)

When Mikhail Gorbachev came into power in 1985, Soviet Union was facing a difficult time, the economy had stagnated. The economy could not longer support soldiers who were engaged in different places in Europe and Asia. Despite the opposition he was facing in his country Gorbachev was determined to improve the relations between Soviet Union and America. He aimed at easing tension between the two super powers. This could not have been achieved without reducing armaments. A series of talks between the leaders from the two countries were held prompting to signing of treaties limiting the use of Nuclear weapons as well as Soviet Union withdrawing her troops in Afghanistan.
The reforms that President Gorbachev instituted during his reign contributed to a great extent in ending the conflict. He was not ready to see his country go into the drains for the purpose of proving to the world its might.Infact at this time communism was facing numerous problems such that its fall was eminent. The Soviet Union could no longer march American zeal to conquer the world. The economy was in tatters such that the very existence of the country in future was in doubt. President Gorbachev was determined to solve the problems which were facing the Union. The task was not easy since he was facing stiff opposition and frustration within the country. (Hunt, M. 2004)

Gorbachev effort to turn around the Soviet economy was a Herculean task he was facing problems from every corner. His party was rippled by corruption which had bogged down the country to a situation where it could no longer engage the United states in arms contest.Gorbachev entered into negotiations to salvage the situation, he no longer pursued arms contest instead he entered into economic ties to help turn around the communist power.Gorbachev was credited with easing tensions between America and Soviet Union, he concentrated more on revival of economy rather than engage into a contest which would further deteriorate the situation. He was successful in achieving his mission to reduce the arms as well as easing the tensions. President Nixon on the other hand succeeded in forcing the Soviets to tone down their aggression of expanding their sphere of influence as well as reducing the number of arms. Although these efforts did not stop the conflict permanently there was a temporal reduction of tension between the two sides paving way for talks and eventual ending of the cold war.