A main goal of President Richard Nixon's policy

of détente was to

(1) sponsor free elections in North and South

Korea

(2) reduce tensions between the United States

and the Soviet Union

(3) negotiate an end to the Arab-Israeli conflict

(4) build support for recognition of the

Nationalist government of Taiwan

A main goal of President Richard Nixon's policy of detente was to 2. reduce tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. Keep in mind that Nixon led the US around some heated moments in the Vietnam War. As such, he sought to ease tensions elsewhere. In French, the word actually means "relaxation."