Analysis of Cold War: Kennedy, Carter, and Soviet Relations

This assignment delves into the history of the Cold War, focusing on key events and diplomatic communications between the United States and the Soviet Union. It analyzes the major proposals presented by President John F. Kennedy in his June 1963 American University speech, including his call for a reevaluation of attitudes towards the Soviet Union, the importance of mutual tolerance, and the need for a complete test ban treaty. The assignment also examines the concerns expressed in the Carter-Brezhnev letters, highlighting the efforts to improve US-Soviet relations, prevent nuclear proliferation, and promote global peace through disarmament and economic cooperation. Finally, the assignment assesses the tone of communication between the leaders, emphasizing its polite and diplomatic nature as crucial for preventing open hostility and potential conflict during the Cold War. The analysis provides valuable insights into the strategies and challenges of managing international relations during this critical period in history.

Running head: History of Cold War
History of Cold War
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1HISTORY OF COLD WAR
Answer 1: The major proposals advanced by Kennedy in his June 1963 American
university speech included the adoption of the belief that all problems were manmade in nature
and therefore can be solved by man himself. According to Kennedy, world peace is akin to
community peace and does not require that everybody loves his or her neighbor. It only requires
that they live together in mutual tolerance and settle their disputes in a just and a peaceful
manner. In his speech, Kennedy called upon people to reexamine their views and attitudes
towards Soviet Union and hail the people of Russia for their many achievements in the fields of
science, space, industrial and economic growth, in acts of courage and in culture. Kennedy also
proposed to conducts affairs in such a way that it becomes in the Communist interest to agree on
peace. Nuclear weapons should avoid confrontations that make an adversary retreat in a
humiliating way or declare war. Kennedy in his speech also stated that the weapons of America
are non-provocative in nature, are carefully controlled, are meant to deter, and are capable of
selective use and the diplomats are instructed to avoid unnecessary conflicts and hostility.
Kennedy also stated that Soviet Union should let other nations choose their own future and not
impose their political and social and economic system on other nations as this leads to tension.
Kennedy also recommended an increased understanding between the United States of America
and the Soviet Union. According to Kennedy, this can be achieved by increased communication
and contact. Kennedy proposed a direct line between Moscow and Washington to avoid
misunderstandings, delays and misreading of the actions of the other country during times of
crisis. Kennedy also advocated for complete disarmament in Geneva and a treaty which would
outlaw nuclear tests. Kennedy also advocated for a complete test ban treaty.
Khrushchev on the other hand advocated to signing a treaty that would ban tests
conducted by thermonuclear weapons. He also agreed to sign an agreement with the United

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States of America banning nuclear tests in the atmosphere, in outer space and underwater.
However, unlike the United States of America, the Soviet Union led by Khrushchev refused to
carry on underground tests. Khrushchev, unlike the United States of America also stated that it
wanted the United States of America to let China take its lawful seat in the United Nations.
Khrushdev unlike the United States of America opined that the Soviet Union would sign a treaty
on disarmament only if China was accepted.
Answer 2: The concerns expressed in the Carter-Brezhnev letters include improved relations of
the United States of America with the Soviet Union and strengthening and preserving the
perspectives for stable peace by not indulging in a race for arms and that elimination of all
nuclear weapons is the goal of the United States of America. Universal banning of all nuclear
tests and an openness regarding the strategic policies of both the United States of America and
the Soviet Union was another strategy that was proposed to alleviate the threat of a nuclear war.
Balanced reduction of military forces in Central Europe and preventing explosions was another
concern that was expressed in the Carter-Brezhnev letters. Jimmy Carter also suggested a
peaceful settlement in the Near East. It was also suggested that the South of Africa begin
negotiations towards peaceful settlements, which would enable justice and security for
everybody. Improvement of bilateral economic relations for both the United States of America
and the United Nations was another concern. Formation of a just and a humane world and the
promotion of development, a better diet and a more substantial life for the disadvantaged section
of society was yet another concern. Promotion of relations between the United States of America
and the Soviet Union was another concern. A ban on the test of nuclear weapons and prevention
on nuclear proliferation was also suggested. Steps toward strengthening European security based

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on decisions adopted in Helsinki, strict observance of the Four-Power treaty on Western Berlin, a
settlement on Cyprus were other matters of concern.
Answer 3: The tone of the communication between the leaders of the United States of America
and the Soviet Union is polite, cordial and diplomatic. Yes, this is what is expected given the
social and political construction of Cold War ideologies because otherwise there would be open
hostility and enmity between the United States of America and the Soviet Union, which would
lead to war and consequently loss of lives and destruction. Thus it is imperative for both
countries to remain cordial and be open to measures that would reduce tension between the two
countries that would prevent the outbreak of a war.