The treaty that marked the end of the Cold War's nuclear arms race by significantly reducing strategic nuclear arsenals.
The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START I), signed on July 31, 1991, in Moscow, was a landmark agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union aimed at reducing and limiting strategic offensive arms. This treaty was pivotal in ending the nuclear arms race that had characterized much of the Cold War era. By mandating significant reductions in the number of nuclear warheads and delivery vehicles, START I not only reduced the immediate threat of nuclear confrontation but also laid the groundwork for future arms control agreements. The treaty's implementation was a complex process that required extensive verification measures, reflecting a new era of cooperation and transparency between the two superpowers. Its significance extends beyond the immediate reductions in nuclear arsenals, as it established a framework for ongoing dialogue and negotiation in arms control, contributing to global strategic stability.
Chapters
Timeline
1982-06-29
START Negotiations Begin
Formal negotiations for the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) commenced in Geneva, Switzerland, marking the beginning of a complex diplomatic process aimed at reducing nuclear arsenals.
1986-10-11
Reykjavik Summit
The Reykjavik Summit between U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev laid the groundwork for future arms reduction agreements, despite not resulting in an immediate treaty.
1987-12-08
INF Treaty Signed
The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was signed, eliminating an entire class of nuclear weapons and setting a precedent for future arms control agreements.
1990-06-01
Framework Agreement Reached
The United States and the Soviet Union reached a framework agreement on reducing their strategic arsenals to 6,000 warheads and 1,600 delivery vehicles each.
1991-07-31
START I Treaty Signed
The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START I) was signed in Moscow by U.S. President George H.W. Bush and Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, marking a significant achievement in arms control.
1991-12-26
Dissolution of the Soviet Union
The Soviet Union was officially dissolved, leading to the emergence of independent states and necessitating adjustments to the implementation of START I.
1992-05-23
Lisbon Protocol Signed
The Lisbon Protocol was signed, committing newly independent states to adhere to START I and transfer nuclear weapons to Russia for dismantlement.
2001-12-05
START I Compliance Achieved
Both the United States and Russia met the reduction targets set by START I, successfully implementing the treaty's provisions and reducing their nuclear arsenals.
2002-06-13
U.S. Withdraws from ABM Treaty
The United States withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty, raising questions about the sustainability of the arms control framework established by START I.
2010-04-08
New START Treaty Signed
The New START treaty was signed by the United States and Russia, building upon the framework established by START I to achieve further reductions in nuclear arsenals.
Connected Across The Archives
Explore specific connections to other archives—civilizations, conflicts, dynasties, and companies that share history with this treaty.
Civilization Archive
(6)Abbasid Civilization
The Abbasid Civilization's intellectual and cultural advancements laid a foundation for international treaties, influencing global governance and cultural exchange during its era.
Aboriginal Australian Civilizations
Aboriginal Australian Civilizations' governance and land agreements highlight alternative treaty practices, offering insights into indigenous sovereignty amidst global diplomatic evolution.
Achaemenid Persian Empire
The Achaemenid Empire's innovative administrative systems, such as satrapies, influenced future governance models and diplomatic frameworks, shaping global treaty practices.
Aztec Civilization
The Aztec Civilization's strategic alliances and conflicts shaped Mesoamerican power structures, paralleling treaty developments that influenced European colonial strategies in the Americas.
Maori Civilization
The Maori Civilization's complex treaties with European powers illustrate indigenous resilience and adaptation, influencing New Zealand's legal framework and international treaty discourse.
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire's strategic treaties during its peak established precedents in international law, profoundly affecting European and Middle Eastern diplomatic relations.
Conflict Archive
(2)American Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War's resulting treaties, like the Treaty of Paris, established U.S. independence, setting precedents in international recognition and diplomatic negotiation.
Gulf War (1990-1991)
The Gulf War's aftermath prompted international treaties that redefined Middle Eastern borders and alliances, influencing global oil politics and military strategies.