What was a feature of the relationship between the soviet union and the united states in the era leading up to détente?

Military and diplomatic tensions diminished between 1972 and 1980 as the two superpowers engaged in dialogue, frecuent contacts and agreed to reduce their nuclear stockpiles (SALT Treaty) and to boost bilateral trade. US president Richard Nixon and Soviet secretary-general Leonid Brezhnev met at three summits between 1972 and 1974.