what does detente mean

Détente means a relaxing or easing of strained relations, especially between countries that were previously in conflict or tension.

In international politics, détente is used for situations where:

• Hostile nations reduce tensions.
• They open dialogue, sign agreements, or stop escalating conflict.
• Relations become more stable, even if they are not full allies.

A classic example is the period of reduced tension between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War in the 1970s, when they signed major arms control treaties and tried to avoid direct confrontation.

Etymology-wise, the word comes from French détente , meaning “loosening” or “slackening,” originally from Latin roots meaning “to stretch” and then “to loosen or release.”