1. Nixon and the Cold War Chapter 16, Section 5

2. Nixon Redefines American Foreign Policy ●Henry Kissinger: Nixon’s leading adviser on national security and international affairs o altered Cold War policy ●realpolitik: political goals should be concrete national interests, not abstract ideologies o For example, Soviet Union and China could become ideal trading partners

3. Playing the China Card ●Nixon wanted the U.S. to ‘recognize’ China o diplomatic relations would benefit the U.S.  trade agreements would help the West coast  drive a wedge between China and the Soviet Union (now rivals)

4. April 1971: China invites U.S. to play…

5. Table tennis!

6. ●Feb. 1972: Nixon visits China o important step in ‘normalizing’ relations o high point of his presidency

7. Detente With the Soviet Union ●Nixon’s visit prompted a Soviet reaction o Soviet relations strained with U.S. and China o Soviets invite Nixon to Moscow

8. ●Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT I): limited certain types of nuclear arms production o did NOT end the arms race, but was closer to that goal ●detente: flexible diplomacy that sought to ease Cold War tensions