SALT II: The Carter Administration

Carter Administration The first critical piece of foreign policy done by the Carter administration was the passing of the SALT II treaty later in the administration. It was the first treaty that successfully passed after these talks, and it stated, “Declaring their intention to undertake in the near future negotiations further to limit and further to reduce strategic offensive arms.” (The Government of the United States) The treaty was explicit in demanding the reduction of all aspects of the Soviet Union and United States’ nuclear capability. In addition, it was the result of mutual understanding, which is contained in the full title of the treaty resulting from both nations comprehending the dangers of large nuclear arsenals. Continuing,
The important difference between SALT II and I was that the second one resulted in an enforceable treaty by both participating governments while the first was not ratified. This aspect demonstrates the legacy of foreign policy and the effects and administration can have after they no longer have the White House with legislation eventually occurring. However, this arms talk was different because the Carter administration was able to work with the Soviets, making it apply to all aspects of the nuclear weapons process instead of a series of smaller treaties dealing with individual parts. It was at this point, where tensions between the two superpowers were the lowest. The SALT II agreement was nothing less than another piece of landmark foreign policy that aided in drawing the Cold War conflict to a
An example of his commitment was, “[Carter] continued to believe that reducing the dangers of nuclear war was possible and to make it one of his highest foreign policy priorities.” (Strong) Advisors suggested to him that it would be better to not focus on the nuclear issue, but the effects of nuclear war were too important. The decision to maintain contact with the Soviets let the détente policy that began with Nixon last a few more years until the invasion of Afghanistan. However, Carter did change the justification for preventing nuclear war from one of military strength to a focus on human rights and the devastation that could occur. There was a shift in relations as the result of the Cold War dragging on, with the Carter administration distancing themselves from the Nixon