Reagan's foreign policy

Definition

Reagan's foreign policy refers to the strategies and actions taken by President Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1989 to address international relations, particularly during the Cold War. It was characterized by a strong anti-communist stance, increased military spending, and a willingness to engage diplomatically with adversaries while supporting insurgent movements in various parts of the world. This approach reflected broader themes of conservatism, emphasizing a return to traditional values and the promotion of American interests globally.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Reagan's administration significantly increased defense spending, leading to a military buildup that aimed to counter the perceived threat of Soviet expansion.
2. One of the hallmark strategies of Reagan's foreign policy was the use of rhetoric, including calling the Soviet Union an 'evil empire' and promoting a vision of American exceptionalism.
3. Reagan supported anti-communist movements worldwide, including funding the Contras in Nicaragua and backing guerrilla fighters in Afghanistan against Soviet forces.
4. Reagan's approach culminated in pivotal summits with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, leading to arms reduction agreements like the INF Treaty in 1987.
5. The end of the Cold War is often attributed in part to Reagan's policies, as his combination of military pressure and diplomatic engagement contributed to the eventual collapse of Soviet communism.

Review Questions

• How did Reagan's foreign policy differ from the policies of his predecessors regarding the Soviet Union?
  • Reagan's foreign policy marked a departure from the more conciliatory approaches of previous administrations, particularly those that embraced detente. He took a much harder line against the Soviet Union, branding it an 'evil empire' and emphasizing military strength over diplomacy. This aggressive stance included significant increases in defense spending and a focus on countering Soviet influence globally, contrasting sharply with the more diplomatic methods used earlier.
• Evaluate the impact of the Iran-Contra Affair on public perception of Reagan's presidency and its foreign policy decisions.
  • The Iran-Contra Affair significantly damaged public trust in Reagan's presidency as it revealed a covert operation that contradicted his stated policies. The scandal involved illegal arms sales to Iran to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua, raising ethical concerns about executive overreach and accountability. This incident highlighted tensions between Reagan's foreign policy ambitions and legal constraints, causing many to question the integrity of his administration's decisions.
• Assess how Reagan's foreign policy laid the groundwork for changes in U.S.-Soviet relations at the end of the Cold War.
  • Reagan's foreign policy created a complex interplay of confrontation and dialogue that ultimately transformed U.S.-Soviet relations. His initial aggressive stance pressured the Soviet economy while simultaneously paving the way for significant diplomatic engagements with Mikhail Gorbachev. This dual strategy helped facilitate major arms reduction treaties like the INF Treaty and fostered an environment conducive to negotiations that contributed to the end of Cold War hostilities. The legacy of Reagan's foreign policy is thus viewed as instrumental in shaping the eventual thawing of relations between the two superpowers.

Related terms

Detente:

A period of improved relations between the United States and the Soviet Union during the 1970s, marked by arms control agreements and diplomatic engagement.

The Iran-Contra Affair: A political scandal in the mid-1980s involving secret U.S. arms sales to Iran to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua, which raised significant ethical and legal questions.

NATO:

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance formed in 1949 for collective defense against aggression, which Reagan strengthened through renewed commitments.