The collapse of the Soviet Union was, I believe, the most important world event post World War II. I remember sitting in my living room watching, shocked, as the events unfolded on CNN. Now, there is a debate of course as to how much credit Reagan should get. Destroying communism was his lifelong ambition. There were dozens of moves his administration made that were intended to weaken the Soviet Union and by all accounts they did. Reagan was bold - even brazen - in facing the USSR down. This was completely at odds with the approach of all the US presidents after Kennedy. Iranian and North Korean leaders were angry when they made the "Axis of Evil". Can you imagine the anger the leaders of a first rate superpower felt at being labelled an "Evil empire"?
Thre have been Soviets who said Reagan policies were the primary reason for the collapse.
Here is what the Soviet economist Pinsker said "If it had not been for the Reagan defense buildup, if the United States had not demonstrated that it is willing not only to stand up for freedom but to devote considerable sums of money to defending it we probably would not be sitting here today having a free discussion between Russians and Americans."
Probably. Pretty good odds.
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