Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

arrow_back_ios_new
MENTAL MODEL · M6255

Détente

Détente
DecideHigh supportGame Theory
Included
account_tree

Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

The temporary relaxation of tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union in the 1970s. Both sides recognized that they could not eliminate each other, and instead sought to manage conflict and avoid nuclear war through negotiation, arms control, and trade.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

A truce in a stalemate. When you are in a prolonged attrition war with a competitor and cannot win, seeking Détente is rational. This does not mean giving up competition, but rather transforming competition from 'life-and-death' into 'a game with rules'.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

A state of relations between hostile countries where tensions are eased and limited cooperation is established, reducing the intensity of conflict.

MINIMUM ACTION

In progress 0/1

Practice this model in one real situation:

Check to track your progress (stored locally)
Learning progress0%
account_treeGenealogyexpand_more
menu_bookReferencesexpand_more

Source support: Explicit

  • link
    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%A9tenteZH · Explicit
    verified

RELATED MODELS

Related model

Green Beard Effect

A thought experiment proposed by Richard Dawkins, referring to a gene that can produce three effects: 1. Produces a recognizable tag (such as a green beard)

arrow_forwardRelated model

Hobbesian Trap

A conflict mechanism in which each side’s fear of being attacked first encourages preemptive action and mutually reinforcing defensive preparations.

arrow_forwardRelated model

Semelparity

Semelparity and iteroparity are two reproductive strategies available to living organisms. A species is semelparous if it is characterized by a single reproductive episode before death, and iteroparous if it is characterized by multiple reproductive cycles.

arrow_forward