The Future of Soviet-American Diplomacy

An attempt to give a reply to the question of the possible directions which the development of Soviet-Ameri can diplomacy may take must incorporate a consideration of both objective and subjective factors. If the subjective efforts of individuals, especially those forming foreign policy, do not contradict the main, positive trends in the development of international affairs—which are determined by objective fac tors—then the relations among states will develop more or less smoothly. In the sphere of Soviet-American relations, at least one thing is clear: the competition between the USSR and the USA should be carried out only through peaceful means. The Moscow and Washington meetings are a significant step in the transition to an era of negotiation; detente is explained by the substance of the Moscow and Washington documents adopted at the highest level. Furthermore, the basic notion of detente, as seen in the Soviet Union, is that it is a process of re laxation of tension and peaceful coexistence. The scientific and technological revolution will have a profound impact on this process. While it is difficult to predict the possible lines and forms of the international effort in conditions of this revo lution, one thing is quite clear: the lines and forms of interna tional cooperation will steadily gain in scope and diversity.