How important was the economic cost of the arms race as a reason why the superpowers attempted to manage the Cold War, 1962–1979? - Scottish Highers History - Question 55 - 2023

The economic cost of the arms race played a significant role in influencing the superpowers' approach to managing the Cold War. As the arms race escalated, both the United States and the Soviet Union faced substantial financial burdens. The need to allocate vast resources to military spending led to economic strains, impacting domestic budgets and social programs.

For the U.S., economic considerations were critical, particularly during periods of recession. The Vietnam War, coupled with escalating military expenditures, prompted calls for a reassessment of defense spending, which influenced diplomatic strategies. The recognition of unsustainable military investments was a driving force in the pursuit of arms control agreements.

Similarly, the Soviet Union grappled with its economy's inability to sustain the pressures of an extensive arms race while also addressing domestic needs. The economic downturn in the late 1970s further underscored the necessity for the Soviets to seek a more manageable approach to military engagements, leading to initiatives like détente.

In conclusion, the economic cost of the arms race was a crucial factor in prompting both superpowers to engage in diplomatic efforts to manage the Cold War, as it pushed them towards recognizing the need for stability over unchecked military competition.