What is "detente"

detente \detente\ (d[asl]*t[aum]nt"), n. the easing of tensions or strained relations (especially between nations), as by agreement, negotiation, or tacit understandings.

1908 as a political term, a borrowing of French détente "loosening, slackening" (used in the Middle Ages for the catch of a crossbow), from Vulgar Latin detendita, fem. past participle of Latin detendere "loosen, release," from de- "from, away" (see de-) + tendere "stretch" (see tenet). The reference is to a "relaxing" in a political situation. The French word was earlier borrowed as detent (1680s) "catch which regulates the strike in a clock."

n. (alternative form of détente English)

n. the easing of tensions or strained relations (especially between nations)

Détente (, meaning "relaxation") is the easing of strained relations, especially in a political situation. It is not to be confused with the Spanish near- homograph detente meaning "stop" ( second person singular imperative).

The term is often used in reference to the general easing of the geo-political tensions between the Soviet Union and the United States which began in 1969, as a foreign policy of U.S. presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford called détente; a "thawing out" or "un-freezing" at a period roughly in the middle of the Cold War. Détente was known in Russian as разрядка ("razryadka", loosely meaning "relaxation of tension").

The period was characterized by the signing of treaties such as SALT I and the Helsinki Accords. Another treaty, START II, was discussed but never ratified by the United States. There is still ongoing debate amongst historians as to how successful the détente period was in achieving peace.

After the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, the two superpowers agreed to install a direct hotline between Washington D.C. and Moscow (the so-called red telephone), enabling leaders of both countries to quickly interact with each other in a time of urgency, and reduce the chances that future crises could escalate into an all-out war. The U.S./U.S.S.R. détente was presented as an applied extension of that thinking. The SALT II pact of the late 1970s continued the work of the SALT I talks, ensuring further reduction in arms by the Soviets and by the US. The Helsinki Accords, in which the Soviets promised to grant free elections in Europe, has been called a major concession to ensure peace by the Soviets.

Détente ended after the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan, which led to the United States boycott of the 1980 Olympics in Moscow. Ronald Reagan's election as president in 1980, based in large part on an anti-détente campaign, marked the close of détente and a return to Cold War tensions. In his first press conference, president Reagan said "Détente's been a one-way street that the Soviet Union has used to pursue its aims."

Detente was a thrash metal band founded in 1984 in Los Angeles, California. The group's original line-up included Dawn Crosby on vocals, Steve Hochheiser on bass, Dennis Butler on drums and Ross Robinson and Caleb Quinn on guitars,.

In 2012, the band was the subject of controversy over their 2010 song "Kill Rush", which referred to Rush Limbaugh.

Détente (French for 'relaxation') is the easing of strained relations, especially in a political situation.

Détente may also refer to:

• La Détente, French short film
• Détente (band), American metal band
• Détente (book), book by former director of Radio Free Europe, George R. Urban

Detente is an album by the American jazz fusion group, the Brecker Brothers. It was released by Arista Records in 1980.