The term refers to a 1979 agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union that aimed to limit the production of nuclear weapons. The treaty, officially known as the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty II, built upon previous arms control efforts and sought to establish ceilings on the number of strategic nuclear delivery vehicles and MIRV (multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle) systems possessed by both superpowers. For example, specific limitations were placed on the number of ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) launchers each nation could deploy.
Its historical importance lies in its attempt to de-escalate the Cold War arms race. While never formally ratified by the United States Senate due to increasing tensions following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, both countries initially observed its provisions. It served as a basis for future arms control negotiations and highlighted the complex relationship between the superpowers, characterized by both competition and a shared interest in preventing nuclear war. It is often studied as an example of both the successes and failures of dtente during this period.
