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I just an idea and it's unformed as yet, so feel free to kick it into shape.

The 1973 oil crisis gave the faltering Soviet Union a handy boost due to the foreign currency it recieved from oil sales at high prices. This covered the fundemantal economic failings of the Soviet systems and kept the Cold War perking along for another 15 or more years.

What if this was recognised in say 1974 and was siezed upon as a lever to end the Cold War? As we know there are dozens of ways to reduce energy consumption. WI the US govt from 1974 actively persued policies which would reduce the US consumption of oil so to keep the price down and not let the Soiviets get the injection of foriegn currency? Would the Cold War drag on until 1989-91 or could the impoverished Soviets end it 10 years earlier?
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