Question

which of these was a feature of the relationship between the soviet union and the united states in the era leading up to détente?
nuclear war
direct conflict
arms race
cooperation

Explanation:

Détente was a period of reduced tensions between the U.S. and Soviet Union. Before this era, the two superpowers engaged in a rapid buildup of nuclear and conventional weapons, known as an arms race. Nuclear war never occurred, direct large-scale conflict was avoided, and cooperation was the defining feature of détente itself, not the lead-up.

Answer:

arms race