1. Richard Nixon: Foreign Policy

2. In Office Richard Nixon elected in 1968 Richard Nixon elected in 1968 Elected on the platform to win the Vietnam War “with honor” Elected on the platform to win the Vietnam War “with honor” By 1973, all US troops had been withdrawn from Vietnam By 1973, all US troops had been withdrawn from Vietnam

3. Détente with the Communists Nixon initiated a policy of détente with the USSR and China Nixon initiated a policy of détente with the USSR and China This meant a lessening of tensions between the powers This meant a lessening of tensions between the powers Nixon also sought to repair relations with both China and the Soviet Union Nixon also sought to repair relations with both China and the Soviet Union

4. Realpolitik Balance of power between Japan, US, China, USSR and West Europe Balance of power between Japan, US, China, USSR and West Europe Idea that nations should use national interest instead of political ideals Idea that nations should use national interest instead of political ideals Nixon and NSA Kissinger sought détente to ensure this balance of power Nixon and NSA Kissinger sought détente to ensure this balance of power

5. Opening the Door to China China became communist in 1949 under the leadership of Mao Zedong US did not recognize the communist Chinese government, imposed a trade embargo, and refused China entrance into the United Nations

6. Opening the Door to China Nixon eased tensions between the US and China by lifting the trade embargo in 1971 Nixon eased tensions between the US and China by lifting the trade embargo in 1971 China was admitted into the United Nations that same year China was admitted into the United Nations that same year In Feb. 1972 Nixon traveled to China and re- established ties In Feb. 1972 Nixon traveled to China and re- established ties

7. A Friendly Game? In April 1971, the Chinese government extended a diplomatic invitation to a US table tennis team This week-long visit marked the beginning of the Chinese-American era of “ping-pong diplomacy”

8. Thawing the Cold War In 1972, Nixon visited Moscow and met with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev In 1972, Nixon visited Moscow and met with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev Both leaders agreed to trade negotiations and technological exchanges Both leaders agreed to trade negotiations and technological exchanges SALT (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks) SALT (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks)

9. SALT Agreement Limited the number of missile-defense systems in both the US and USSR Limited the number of missile-defense systems in both the US and USSR Allowed additional weapons only if others were dismantled Allowed additional weapons only if others were dismantled Eased tensions between the US and Soviet Union and slowed the nuclear arms race Eased tensions between the US and Soviet Union and slowed the nuclear arms race