Salt II

Definition

Salt II, or the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks II, was a 1979 treaty between the United States and the Soviet Union aimed at limiting the number of strategic nuclear weapons and fostering détente during the Cold War. It built upon the earlier SALT I agreement and was seen as a step towards reducing nuclear arms and preventing an arms race, although its ratification faced significant challenges in the U.S. Senate due to changing political climates and increasing tensions.

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, but was never ratified by the U.S. Senate.
2. The treaty sought to limit both countries to 2,250 strategic nuclear delivery vehicles, which included intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).
3. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979 significantly impacted U.S.-Soviet relations, leading to increased opposition against Salt II in the U.S. Congress.
4. Despite never being ratified, Salt II provisions were observed by both superpowers as a form of mutual restraint during the early 1980s.
5. Salt II highlighted the complexities of arms control negotiations, as geopolitical events could quickly shift public and political support for such treaties.

Review Questions

• What were the main objectives of Salt II and how did it build upon the previous SALT I agreement?
  • The main objectives of Salt II were to limit the number of strategic nuclear weapons possessed by both the United States and the Soviet Union and to promote stability in their nuclear arsenals. It built upon SALT I by introducing more detailed limits on specific types of delivery systems, such as intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). By seeking to establish clear guidelines for arms reduction, Salt II aimed to reduce the chances of an arms race and foster a more peaceful international environment.
• Analyze how domestic political factors influenced the ratification process of Salt II in the United States.
  • Domestic political factors played a critical role in the ratification process of Salt II, particularly as public sentiment shifted following significant events like the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. This invasion raised fears about Soviet expansionism and caused many U.S. senators to question whether it was prudent to engage in arms control with an aggressive adversary. The growing anti-Soviet sentiment made it difficult for supporters of Salt II to argue for its ratification, leading to increased skepticism about the treaty's effectiveness in ensuring national security.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Salt II on U.S.-Soviet relations and arms control efforts in subsequent decades.
  • The long-term implications of Salt II on U.S.-Soviet relations were significant, as it set a precedent for future arms control negotiations despite its failure to be ratified. The treaty illustrated both countries' willingness to engage in dialogue about nuclear limitations, which continued with future agreements like START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) in the 1990s. However, Salt II also reflected how geopolitical tensions could derail even carefully negotiated treaties, highlighting that arms control efforts must be adaptable to changing global circumstances if they are to succeed.

Related terms

Détente: A period of improved relations between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, characterized by negotiations and agreements aimed at reducing hostility and military tensions.

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): An international treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and furthering disarmament efforts among nuclear-armed states.

Carter Doctrine: A policy announced by President Jimmy Carter in 1980 that stated the United States would use military force if necessary to defend its national interests in the Persian Gulf region.