key term - Salt II

Definition

Salt II, or the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks II, was a series of negotiations between the United States and the Soviet Union aimed at curbing the arms race during the Cold War. The treaty, signed in 1979, sought to limit the number of strategic nuclear weapons held by both superpowers, building upon the earlier Salt I agreement. Although it represented a significant step towards arms control, Salt II faced numerous challenges that affected its implementation and eventual status.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Salt II was signed by U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev in June 1979, marking an important moment in U.S.-Soviet relations.
2. The treaty aimed to limit the number of strategic ballistic missile launchers and strategic bombers, establishing caps on both sides to enhance stability.
3. Despite being signed, Salt II never received formal ratification by the U.S. Senate due to heightened tensions following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979.
4. Salt II included provisions for on-site inspections to ensure compliance, highlighting the importance of transparency in arms control agreements.
5. While Salt II was not fully implemented, it laid the groundwork for future arms control negotiations, influencing subsequent treaties like the START agreements in the late 1980s.

Review Questions

• How did Salt II aim to address the issues surrounding the arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union?
  • Salt II aimed to tackle the arms race by setting limits on strategic nuclear weapons and their delivery systems, thereby promoting stability and reducing the likelihood of nuclear conflict. By capping the number of strategic ballistic missile launchers and bombers, both nations were encouraged to pursue diplomatic solutions over military build-up. This approach sought to reduce tensions while ensuring that neither superpower could gain a significant advantage in nuclear capabilities.
• Evaluate the impact of domestic political factors on the ratification process of Salt II in the United States.
  • Domestic political factors played a crucial role in hindering the ratification of Salt II. Following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in late 1979, public opinion turned against further engagement with Moscow, prompting lawmakers to question the wisdom of such an agreement. The growing sentiment for a more aggressive stance toward the Soviet Union led many senators to reject Salt II out of fear that it would compromise national security. As a result, despite its initial signing, Salt II was never formally ratified by Congress.
• Analyze how Salt II influenced future arms control negotiations and shaped international relations in the context of nuclear disarmament.
  • Salt II set important precedents for future arms control discussions by emphasizing verification measures and mutual limitations on nuclear arsenals. Although it was not ratified, its principles influenced later treaties like START, which furthered disarmament efforts during a time of shifting global dynamics. The legacy of Salt II can be seen in how it encouraged ongoing dialogue between superpowers about nuclear weapons reduction, ultimately contributing to a broader movement towards international cooperation and disarmament amid Cold War tensions.

Related terms

Cold War:

A period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States, characterized by ideological conflict and military rivalry from the end of World War II until the early 1990s.

Nuclear Deterrence: The military strategy that aims to prevent adversaries from attacking by maintaining a credible threat of nuclear retaliation.

Arms Race: A competition between nations to achieve superior military capabilities, particularly in nuclear weapons, often leading to increased tensions and security dilemmas.