Washington, D.C. – The Department of State has released a significant volume of documents detailing the Ronald Reagan administration’s approach to national security policy from 1985-1988, shedding new light on the administration’s efforts to modernize U.S. strategic forces and engage in arms control negotiations with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
Released today as part of the ongoing “Foreign Relations of the United States” series, Volume XLIV, Part 1: National Security Policy, 1985-1988 marks a major milestone in the administration’s legacy. The comprehensive collection of declassified documents provides an unprecedented glimpse into the inner workings of the Reagan presidency, revealing intricate deliberations and negotiations surrounding key summits between Reagan and Gorbachev.
At the heart of this volume are the administration’s interpretations of the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty, as well as internal debates leading up to the 1988 ABM Treaty Review in Geneva. According to sources close to the matter, these documents illustrate a complex web of strategic calculations and compromises that ultimately shaped the trajectory of U.S.-Soviet relations during this critical period.
Compiled and edited by James Graham Wilson, this volume is the first part of a two-part release, with the second installment covering the Strategic Defense Initiative. The publication showcases the meticulous work of the Office of the Historian, who have carefully curated and analyzed thousands of documents to bring this pivotal era in U.S. history to life.
“This release represents an extraordinary achievement for historical scholarship and public access,” said a Department of State spokesperson. “The ‘Foreign Relations of the United States’ series has long been a cornerstone of our nation’s diplomatic heritage, providing unparalleled insights into major policy decisions and international relations.
The volume is now available on the Office of the Historian website, accompanied by a comprehensive list of contributors, editors, and relevant tags. For further information, contact the Office of the Historian or visit their official website.
Related Coverage:
- Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation: Key Players in Reagan Era Arms Control Talks
- Diplomatic and Consular Relations: Inside the Reagan Administration’s Strategic Diplomacy Efforts
- Office of the Historian: Unveiling Hidden Histories through Declassified Documents
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Conclusion:
The release of this significant volume marks an important milestone in understanding the complexities of U.S. national security policy during the Reagan era. As historians, policymakers, and the general public continue to grapple with the implications of these documents, one thing is clear: the historical record has been enriched by this extraordinary collection of declassified documents.