America's Foreign Policy Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive Test Prep

START, which stands for Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, was a pivotal agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union (later Russia) aimed at reducing their respective nuclear arsenals. Its primary purpose was to curb the production and development of nuclear weapons, thus mitigating the risk of nuclear conflict during the Cold War and promoting global security.

The treaty represented a significant step toward arms control, marking a shift from the nuclear arms race that characterized much of the late 20th century. By establishing limits on the number of strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems, START played a crucial role in decreasing tensions between the superpowers and fostering a framework for future arms reduction negotiations.

In contrast, the other options address different aspects of international relations and security, such as conventional arms control, economic assistance, and military alliances; however, they do not pertain specifically to the objective of nuclear arms reduction that was the essence of START.