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Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty

Definition

The Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) was an agreement between the United States and Soviet Union signed in 1987. It required both countries to eliminate their intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles.

Analogy

Imagine two kids with slingshots who agree not only to stop shooting rocks at each other but also to dismantle their slingshots entirely. That's essentially what happened with INF treaty - both sides agreed not just to stop using these weapons but also destroy them completely.

Related terms

Cold War Arms Race: An intense period during Cold War where both US and USSR were building up their nuclear arsenals aiming for superiority over each other.

Reagan-Gorbachev Summit Meetings: Series of meetings between President Reagan of USA & General Secretary Gorbachev aimed at reducing tensions and arms between the two superpowers.

START Treaties: Strategic Arms Reduction Treaties, a series of bilateral treaties between US and USSR (and later Russia), aimed at reducing each country's nuclear arsenal.