1. Richard M. Nixon Foreign Policy: 1968-1974
“I’ve always thought this country could run itself domestically without a President.”

2. Henry Kissinger
Nixon’s National Security Advisor ( ) Secretary of State in 1973
Nixon’s closest and most trusted advisor
Believed in ‘realpolitik’ - practical politics
Decisions based on maintaining strength, not moral principles
Détente - a relaxing of tensions between two nations.

3. Nixon and China
Nixon and Kissinger took different approach to dealing with Communist China.
US began series of moves to improve relations with China.
“Ping-pong diplomacy”
Nixon traveled to China in Feb. of 1972
Met with Chairman Mao and Premier Zhou Enlai (to Nixon’s right).
Nixon politically popular as a result.

4. The Soviet Union and China
Soviet Union (Russia or USSR) communist but enemies of China.
Nixon exploited this difference.
Vietnam received majority of aid from Russia.
Better relations with China could be a bargaining chip to end Vietnam War.

5. Nixon, the USSR, and China

6. Strategic Arms Limitations Talks (SALT I)
Nixon visited Soviet Union in 1972.
First US President inside the Kremlin
SALT I Treaty signed in 1972 by US and USSR
Wanted to limit the proliferation (expansion) of offensive nuclear weapons.
Froze the number of ICBMs and SLBMs at 1972 levels.
Restricted the development of antiballistic missile systems.

7. Missiles… ICBMs (Intercontinental Ballistic) SLBMs (Submarine Launched Ballistic)

8. Personal Diplomacy begins to pay off
Paris Peace talks stalled since Renewed periodically.
China relations, USSR visit created a bargaining ploy to end the war in Vietnam
National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger claimed ”peace is at hand” - just before 1972 election.
December 1972, new round of bombing - “Christmas bombings” (Nixon - a “mad bomber”)
Bombed Hanoi, North Vietnam, mined the harbor
Vietnam resumes negotiations with US

9. Paris Peace Accords
The United States would withdraw all its forces from South Vietnam within 60 days.
All prisoners of war would be released.
All parties to the agreement would end military activities in Laos and Cambodia.
The 17th parallel would continue to divide North and South Vietnam until the country could be reunited.

10. Paris Peace Accords: Vietnam

11. Nixon’s Foreign Policy Legacy
Nixon’s focus and most intense interest was always foreign policy
His achievements are often overshadowed by the Watergate scandal.
Nixon effectively ended the war in Vietnam
Nixon ushered in a period of détente with former US enemies