SALT II

SALT II
Name	SALT II
Long name	Strategic Arms Limitation Talks II
Signed	June 18, 1979
Location	Vienna, Austria
Effective	June 18, 1979
Expiration	December 31, 1985
Signatories	United States, Soviet Union

SALT II was a significant treaty signed between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, aiming to limit the development and deployment of Strategic Arms. The treaty was the result of prolonged Strategic Arms Limitation Talks between the two superpowers, involving key figures such as Leonid Brezhnev, Jimmy Carter, and Andrei Gromyko. The negotiations took place in Geneva, Switzerland, and Vienna, Austria, with the participation of experts from the United States Department of State, the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. The treaty's signing was also influenced by the Helsinki Accords and the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe.

Introduction

The SALT II treaty was a crucial step in the Détente process, marking a significant shift in the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union. The treaty built upon the foundations laid by the SALT I agreement, which had established limits on the development and deployment of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) and Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs). Key players in the introduction of SALT II included Henry Kissinger, Andrei Gromyko, and Cyrus Vance, who played important roles in shaping the treaty's provisions. The treaty's introduction was also influenced by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Seabed Arms Control Treaty.

Background

The background to SALT II was marked by the ongoing Cold War and the Arms Race between the United States and the Soviet Union. The Cuban Missile Crisis had highlighted the dangers of uncontrolled nuclear proliferation, and the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks were initiated to address these concerns. The Soviet Union was represented by Leonid Brezhnev, Andrei Gromyko, and Anatoly Dobrynin, while the United States was represented by Richard Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Gerald Ford. The European Security Conference and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe also played important roles in shaping the background to SALT II.

Negotiations

The negotiations for SALT II were complex and protracted, involving multiple rounds of talks between the United States and the Soviet Union. The United States Department of State and the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs played key roles in the negotiations, with experts from the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks delegation contributing to the discussions. The negotiations were influenced by the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the Iran hostage crisis, which created tensions between the two superpowers. Key figures involved in the negotiations included Jimmy Carter, Leonid Brezhnev, and Andrei Gromyko, as well as Zbigniew Brzezinski and Anatoly Dobrynin.

Provisions

The provisions of SALT II limited the development and deployment of Strategic Arms, including Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs), and Heavy Bombers. The treaty established a ceiling of 2,400 Strategic Nuclear Delivery Vehicles (SNDVs) for each side, with sub-limits for ICBMs, SLBMs, and Heavy Bombers. The treaty also prohibited the development and deployment of new Strategic Arms systems, such as the MX missile and the B-1 bomber. The provisions of SALT II were influenced by the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and the Seabed Arms Control Treaty.

Ratification_and_Implementation

The ratification and implementation of SALT II were marked by controversy and delay. The United States Senate failed to ratify the treaty due to concerns about the Soviet Union's compliance with the agreement and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The Soviet Union unilaterally observed the treaty's provisions, despite the lack of formal ratification. The implementation of SALT II was overseen by the Standing Consultative Commission, which was established to resolve compliance issues and address concerns about the treaty's implementation. The Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and the United States Department of State played key roles in the implementation of SALT II.

Impact_and_Legacy

The impact and legacy of SALT II were significant, marking a major step forward in the Détente process and the limitation of Strategic Arms. The treaty's provisions helped to reduce the risk of nuclear war and promote stability in the Cold War era. The treaty's legacy can be seen in the subsequent Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) and the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), which built upon the foundations laid by SALT II. Key figures such as Mikhail Gorbachev, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush played important roles in shaping the impact and legacy of SALT II, which was also influenced by the Reykjavik Summit and the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the Warsaw Pact also played important roles in shaping the impact and legacy of SALT II.

Category:Treaties