---
title: "Détente and Triangular Diplomacy | Model Diplomat"
description: "Détente refers to the 1970s easing of US-Soviet tensions through triangular diplomacy, crucial for Model UN and policy studies."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/detente-and-triangular-diplomacy"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Détente was the early-1970s easing of US–Soviet Cold War tensions, pursued by Nixon and Kissinger through triangular diplomacy that exploited the Sino-Soviet split to leverage both communist powers.
- What was the relationship between the Sino-Soviet split and triangular diplomacy?
- Which agreements were the principal achievements of détente?
- What ended the era of détente?
- What does 'linkage' mean in Kissinger's diplomacy?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In February 1972 President Richard Nixon travelled to Beijing and signed the Shanghai Communiqué with Zhou Enlai, exploiting the Sino-Soviet split to pressure Moscow into the Moscow Summit and SALT I three months later.

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