Foreign Policies:
Détente: Nixon pursued a policy of détente with the Soviet Union and China, aiming to ease tensions and promote peaceful coexistence. This included diplomatic efforts such as the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) with the Soviet Union and the historic visit to China in 1972, which helped normalize relations between the two countries.
Vietnam War: Nixon implemented a policy known as "Vietnamization" with the goal of gradually withdrawing American troops from Vietnam and shifting the burden of combat to the South Vietnamese forces. This policy aimed to bring an end to the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War while maintaining a stable South Vietnam.
Ping Pong Diplomacy: As part of his efforts to improve relations with China, Nixon embraced "ping pong diplomacy." In 1971, the U.S. table tennis team was invited to visit China, marking the first step toward thawing relations between the two countries.
Domestic Policies:
New Federalism: Nixon advocated for a policy called New Federalism, which aimed to transfer power and responsibilities from the federal government to state and local governments. This approach sought to decentralize authority and give more decision-making power to local authorities.
Law and Order: Nixon emphasized law and order as a response to social unrest and rising crime rates during the late 1960s and early 1970s. He focused on increasing police presence, cracking down on drug use, and implementing stricter criminal justice policies.
Environmental Protection: Despite mixed results, Nixon signed several landmark environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These initiatives aimed to address growing concerns about pollution and environmental degradation.
Economic Policies: Nixon implemented economic policies such as wage and price controls, known as the "Nixon Shock." This measure aimed to combat inflation and stabilize the economy during a period of economic turmoil.