Lecture 10

Question 1

February 21, 1972

Answer 1

From feedback
* This is the date of Nixon’s visit to China – first visit of a US president to the
ROC.
* Implications
* Exploited the Sino-Soviet split – tried to reduce the costs of the CW by playing the
USSR and China off against each other – part of détente
* Recognizes the ROC – gains seat in the UN SC – acknowledging great power status
* Removes troops from Taiwan but Taiwan issue otherwise not resolved – remains a
flashpoint for conflict
* Allows for US withdrawal from Vietnam by opening communication channels with
the Vietnamese
* Demonstrates different approach by Nixon and Kissinger to CW politics – not just a
bipolar world, reduce cost of containment through détente.

Question 2

Gold Standard

Question 3

Helsinki Final Act

Answer 3

From feedback
The Helsinki Accords/Helsinki Final Act – signed by 35 nations in 1975.
* Had ten components of which the following are the most significant:
* Sovereign equality
* Inviolability of frontiers
* Territorial integrity of states
* Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of
thought, conscience, religion or belief
* Equal rights and self-determination of peoples
The Helsinki Accords/Helsinki Final Act – signed by 35 nations in 1975.
* Had ten components of which the following are the most significant:
* Sovereign equality
* Inviolability of frontiers
* Territorial integrity of states
* Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of thought,
conscience, religion or belief
* Equal rights and self-determination of peoples
Implications:
- Soviet desire for security: territorial boundaries recognized
- Ongoing impact in the CW: monitoring of human rights and freedom of thought/self
determination indicates that dissident movements are supported and crucially get observed
through Helsinki Watch- created compliance monitoring.
- Connect this observation through to the importance of dissident movements in ending the
CW: eg Solidarity in Poland.

Question 4

Stagflation

Answer 4

From feedback
Slow growth, high unemployment and inflation
(Economy is stagnant and inflated)
* Measures to reduce inflation can make unemployment worse
* Prevalent in early 1970s in major economies including US and UK
* Implications
* Linked to the sudden increase in oil prices caused by the OPEC oil embargo of 1973, because of US
support of Israel in the 6 Day War – demonstrates increased power of oil producing nations
* Begins conversation worldwide on energy security
* Overall shift away from Keynesian economic policies begins in the aftermath of stagflation
* Economic recession worldwide diverts states from the main focus of the CW and reduces military
spending, allows for dét

Question 5

Strategic Triangle