The Cuban Missile Crisis is an example of the foreign policy tactic of brinkmanship used by the United States during the Cold War. Brinkmanship is a strategy where countries push dangerous events to the brink of disaster in order to achieve the best possible outcome for themselves.
During the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, the United States and the Soviet Union came close to nuclear war when American reconnaissance discovered Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba. In response, the U.S. initiated a naval blockade of Cuba and demanded the removal of the missiles. This tense standoff lasted for thirteen days until both sides reached a peaceful resolution, with the Soviets agreeing to remove the missiles from Cuba in exchange for the U.S. pledging not to invade the island.
Brinkmanship was evident in this crisis as both nations were willing to risk a nuclear war to protect their interests. The U.S. demonstrated a firm and aggressive stance, showing resolve and willingness to escalate the situation to the brink without backing down. Ultimately, through intense diplomatic negotiations and strategic maneuvering, the crisis was resolved without resorting to military conflict, showcasing the effectiveness of brinkmanship as a foreign policy tactic during the Cold War.
