Detente: A Third World Perspective

Abstract

The author examines detente in the context of the relationship between the two superpowers, the relationships between them and their bloc partners respectively, their relationships with the Third World, and the cause of international peace and security, equity and justice. He finds that detente is either ambiguous, irrelevant, dysfunctional, or positively dangerous, and either ignores or thwarts the interests and aspirations of the Third World countries, which cannot therefore view it as anything more than a diplomatic and psychological ploy for the continued denial of equality, autonomy and economic development to them.