The Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM Treaty) was a landmark agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union, representing a pivotal moment in the Cold War era's arms control dialogue. Negotiated during a period of escalating tension and arms buildup, the treaty was signed by U.S. President Richard Nixon and Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev in May 1972. The essence of the treaty was to limit the development and deployment of anti-ballistic missile systems, thus recognizing the doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) which underscored the understanding that neither side could deploy a credible defense against a nuclear attack without destabilizing the balance of power.

The U.S. Senate's ratification of the treaty on August 3, 1972, involved extensive discussions reflecting the complexities of international relations during the Cold War. Senators debated the implications of the treaty, with supporters arguing that it would lead to greater stability, while critics expressed concerns that limiting missile defense could leave the U.S. vulnerable. In the end, bipartisan support led to the treaty's approval, emphasizing a collective recognition of the need for arms control to prevent nuclear escalation.

The ratification established a framework for future arms control agreements and reflected a significant strategic shift in U.S.-Soviet relations at the time. The treaty also laid the groundwork for subsequent arms control measures and helped to open lines of communication between the two nations, fostering a dialogue that was crucial for managing Cold War rivalries.