Military Buildup and the Arms Race
Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)
- Announced in 1983, SDI aimed to develop a space-based missile defense system.
- It challenged the doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) by potentially neutralizing Soviet nuclear capabilities.
Increased Defense Spending
- Reagan's administration significantly boosted military expenditure.
- This pressured the Soviet Union to match U.S. capabilities, straining its already weak economy.
SDI was nicknamed "Star Wars" due to its futuristic concept of using lasers and satellites to intercept missiles.
ExampleReagan's military buildup included the deployment of Pershing IIand Cruise missilesin Europe, countering the Soviet SS-20 missiles.
Economic Pressure on the Soviet Union
Trade Restrictions and Sanctions
- Reagan imposed sanctions on the Soviet Union, limiting access to Western technology and capital.
- This hindered Soviet economic growth and technological advancement.
Oil Price Manipulation
- The U.S. collaborated with Saudi Arabia to lower oil prices, reducing Soviet revenue from oil exports, a critical part of its economy.
It's a common misconception that Reagan's policies alone caused the Soviet economic collapse. While they contributed, internal factors like inefficient central planning and military overspending were also crucial.
Ideological Confrontation and Diplomacy
Rhetoric and Hardline Stance
- Reagan famously labeled the Soviet Union an " evil empire" in 1983, signaling a departure from détente.
- His speeches emphasized the moral superiority of democracy over communism.
