America's Foreign Policy Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive Test Prep

The failure of détente primarily stemmed from unresolved rivalry and distrust, which were deeply rooted in the historical context of the Cold War. Détente was essentially a period aimed at easing tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the late 1960s and 1970s, characterized by attempts at diplomatic negotiations and arms control agreements. However, the underlying animosities and competing ideologies of capitalism versus communism continued to fuel mutual suspicion between the two superpowers.

Despite various treaties and cooperative efforts, fundamental issues remained unaddressed, such as conflicts in regions like Vietnam and Afghanistan, which contributed to the perception that neither side could fully trust the other. This pervasive rivalry hindered more substantial progress toward lasting peace and cooperation, leading to the eventual collapse of détente in the late 1970s. The deeply ingrained distrust, exacerbated by events such as the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, catalyzed a re-escalation of hostilities and a return to a more confrontational posture in U.S.-Soviet relations.

Understanding this context illuminates why this particular choice captures the essence of the failures surrounding détente more accurately than the other options, which address potential contributing factors without tackling the core issue of mutual distrust.