An evaluation of the reasons why the superpowers attempted to manage the Cold War, 1962-79

The Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962

Having witnessed the risks of direct conflict during the Cuban Missile Crisis, both the United States and Soviet Union were keen to mitigate tensions.
The crisis, ignited by discovery of Soviet-constructed missile bases in Cuba, brought the world perilously close to nuclear war.
The thirteen-day emergency ended in a demilitarization agreement, marking a significant turning point in Cold War management.

Hotline Agreement of 1963

The Hotline Agreement was a clear symptom of the willingness to manage chances of nuclear crisis.
This direct communication link between U.S. and Soviet leaders was designed to facilitate rapid dialogue should tensions escalate.

Limited Test Ban Treaty, 1963

The Limited Test Ban Treaty of 1963, prohibiting nuclear weapon tests underwater, in outer space, and in the atmosphere, was a significant attempt to manage the arms race.

The Vietnam War, 1964-75

Despite the catastrophic Vietnam War, which involved U.S., Soviet Union, and communist China ostensibly, both superpowers avoided direct military confrontation.
This restraint was in part due to the devastating potential of escalating the war to a nuclear level.

SALT Treaties I and II, 1972 and 1979

SALT I (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks) was agreed in 1972, capping the number of anti-ballistic missiles each superpower could hold.
SALT II was agreed in 1979, and although never ratified, was adhered to by both countries.
These treaties marked a significant effort towards managing the nuclear arms race and reducing the likelihood of nuclear war.

Helsinki Accords, 1975

The Helsinki Accords were an indication of attempts to manage political and human rights aspects of the Cold War.
The accords recognized post-WWII European borders and improved East-West relations.

This period was characterized by a mutual acknowledgement of the devastating potential of nuclear war and a shared desire to prevent it. Dialogue, disarmament treaties and conflict avoidance became the tools of choice, reflecting the lessons learnt from escalating crises in the earlier part of the Cold War.