Final answer:
During the Cold War, meetings between superpowers had the advantage of preventing nuclear war, but they also threatened civil liberties and often misrepresented the agency of third-party nations. The period was marked by the containment policy, the Arms Race, and ideological strife that resulted in global repercussions. The Cold War's end reshaped international relations but introduced new complexities into world politics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question touches upon the advantages and disadvantages of meetings during the Cold War. One advantage of such diplomatic encounters was the prevention of nuclear escalation and fostering communication between the United States and the Soviet Union. Disadvantages included the potential threat to civil liberties due to domestic anti-communist measures, as well as the oversimplification and undermining of the autonomy of third-party nations involved in the Cold War narrative.
The Cold War was characterized by ideological battles and proxy wars, rather than direct military confrontation. The Arms Race and nuclear deterrence were central to this period, and while they prevented a 'hot' war, they raised the potential for catastrophic consequences. The strategy of containment was used by the United States to prevent the spread of communism, but this led to diverse international engagements and effects on global politics, most notably the division of Europe post-World War II, and the backdrop for events such as the Hungarian Revolution and conflicts in the Middle East.