„ბოროტების იმპერიის“ დასასრული: რონალდ რეიგანის სტრატეგიული როლი საბჭოთა კავშირის დაშლაში

Abstract

This article provides an in-depth analysis of Ronald Reagan’s strategic role in the dissolution of the Soviet Union, situating his presidency within the broader context of the Cold War’s final decade. It examines Reagan’s multi - faceted approach that combined a significant military buildup − particularly through initiatives such as the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) − with aggressive economic pressure, and bold diplomatic efforts aimed at confronting and ultimately undermining the Soviet regime, which Reagan famously labeled the “Evil Empire”.

The study draws on a diverse range of primarily and secondary sources, including the perspectives of historians, political scientists, and contemporary analysts. By engaging with both supportive and critical interpretations of Reagan’s policies, the article offers a balanced and comprehensive understanding of his impact. The study also explores the complex internal dynamics of the USSR during this period, highlighting the severe economic stagnation, systemic inefficiencies, and the political reforms initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev. By synthesizing these external and internal factors, the article demonstrates how Reagan’s policies intensified the pressures on the Soviet system, accelerating its decline. Furthermore, it analyzes the diplomatic engagements between Reagan and Gorbachev, emphasizing how these interactions helped ease tensions and paved the way for the peaceful end of the Cold War. This article contributes to existing scholarship by emphasizing Reagan’s underestimated strategic role in accelerating the Soviet Union’s collapse, challenging narratives that attribute the dissolution primary to internal Soviet factors or Gorbachev’s reforms alone. By integrating both external pressures and internal dynamics, the study offers a nuanced perspective that enriches our understanding of the Cold War’s final chapter. Moreover, this study highlights the broader implications of Reagan’s policies on international relations and the global balance of power during the late 20th century, By demonstrating how strategic leadership and diplomatic engagement can influence the course of history, the article provides valuable insights for both scholars and policymakers interested in understanding the complexities of geopolitical transformations. Drawing on a wide range of scholarly sources, historical records, and expert analyses, this article examines the strategic, political, and economic factors that collectively led to one of the most significant geopolitical shifts of the 20th century − the collapse of the Soviet Union.