Which policy approach characterized Nixon's foreign policy?

Which policy approach characterized Nixon's foreign policy?

• A. Containment
• B. Detente
• C. Isolationism
• D. Interventionism

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is Nixon’s move toward détente—a shift toward easing Cold War tensions through diplomacy and arms-control measures rather than through sheer confrontation. He pursued this by opening relations with China in 1972 and by engaging the Soviet Union in strategic talks that produced the SALT I treaty, aiming to slow the arms race and create a more stable balance of power. These actions show a deliberate effort to manage competition with rival powers and reduce the risk of confrontation, even while opposing communism ideologically. Other approaches don’t fit as well: isolationism would mean withdrawing from global affairs, and interventionism would mean expanding military actions abroad, whereas détente centers on diplomacy and negotiated limits to tension.

The main idea being tested is Nixon’s move toward détente—a shift toward easing Cold War tensions through diplomacy and arms-control measures rather than through sheer confrontation. He pursued this by opening relations with China in 1972 and by engaging the Soviet Union in strategic talks that produced the SALT I treaty, aiming to slow the arms race and create a more stable balance of power. These actions show a deliberate effort to manage competition with rival powers and reduce the risk of confrontation, even while opposing communism ideologically. Other approaches don’t fit as well: isolationism would mean withdrawing from global affairs, and interventionism would mean expanding military actions abroad, whereas détente centers on diplomacy and negotiated limits to tension.