Master America's Foreign Policy 2026 - Ace the Exam and Shape Global Futures!

Achieving a balance of power between superpowers was a central strategy in Nixon's foreign policy to maintain peace during the Cold War. This approach was rooted in the understanding that a stable equilibrium between the United States and the Soviet Union could prevent direct military conflict. Nixon and his administration focused on engaging with the Soviet Union through diplomacy, notably through initiatives like détente, which aimed to ease tensions and foster cooperation on nuclear arms control.

This balance of power concept was reinforced by strategic arms limitation talks (SALT), which sought to limit the number of nuclear weapons each superpower possessed, thereby reducing the risk of escalation into a full-blown war. By striving for this balance, Nixon aimed to create a framework where both superpowers could coexist without resorting to military actions, thereby contributing to a more stable global order during a time of significant geopolitical tension.

The other strategies, such as engaging in direct military conflict or promoting isolationist policies, would have likely escalated tensions rather than eased them. Additionally, while forming new alliances with smaller nations could be part of broader foreign policy, the focus during Nixon's era was more heavily weighted on managing the direct relationship between the superpowers themselves, rather than expanding alliances in isolation.