Which term describes the general easing of Cold War tensions, a concept featured in the Harmel Report's framework of détente and deterrence?

• A. Ostpolitik
• B. Containment
• C. Detente
• D. Deterrence

Answer: (C)

Détente is the general easing of tensions between adversaries through diplomacy, dialogue, and cautious cooperation, rather than through confrontation. In the Harmel Report, this easing is paired with deterrence: the idea is to reduce the risk of conflict by engaging with the other side and pursuing arms control and communication, while still maintaining enough military readiness to deter aggression if necessary. This makes détente a broad, ongoing process of improving rivalry-relations, not simply a single policy.

Ostpolitik is a specific policy within the détente era aimed at normalizing relations with East Germany and the Eastern Bloc; containment refers to preventing the spread of communism; deterrence focuses on threatening retaliation to prevent aggression. The term that best describes the easing of tensions itself, as highlighted in the Harmel framework, is détente.