Challenging détente: A European multilateral perspective on détente that originates from the checkpoint Charlie standoff and the threat to European security

Abstract

The historiography surrounding the Cold War was dominated by a bipolar and American conception of its course immediately after its conclusion. Authors such as J. Hanhimäki and Angela Romano challenged this perception by addressing the multilateral dynamic that was found in Europe. This challenge opened the door for détente to be viewed from a distinctly European perspective. Subsequently, this thesis exposes that détente was seen as a viable route to pursue in Europe in the early 1960s. Memorandums and government documents surrounding the Berlin Crisis of 1961 and the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 uncover a European rhetoric focussed on détente that diverged from their American ally, who pursued detente in the late 1960s. The Checkpoint Charlie standoff proved to be the tipping point enabling this European mindset towards détente.