Why was the detente started?

Détente was initiated during the Cold War to ease tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, primarily due to the threat of nuclear conflict and the economic burdens of the arms race. The hope was to establish more stable diplomatic relations, reduce the risk of military confrontation, and foster cooperation in areas such as trade and arms control. Key events, including the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) and the Helsinki Accords, aimed to create frameworks for dialogue and peaceful coexistence. Ultimately, détente was seen as a pragmatic approach to manage geopolitical rivalry while addressing mutual security concerns.