UN General Assembly
1976

60. We have on many occasions welcomed detente between the two super-Powers. The least that detente can do is to preclude political competition among the super-Powers from spilling over into military conflict. However, detente has been hampered by the lack of progressive disarmament measures. Arms control can stabilize not only the military balance but also political relations which might otherwise be affected by uncertainties and suspicions concerning the intentions of the other side. Detente, however, as we have stated time and again, should in no way be used as a means of consolidating a big Power hegemony in international affairs or dividing the world into spheres of influence. The interests, needs, rights and aspirations of the developing and non-aligned countries are the pillars and mainstay of any international political order, and detente can only be seen as a necessary complement to this basic structure.