In what ways did Reagan's policies influence the Cold War's progression?

Reagan's policies escalated the Cold War tensions initially, but later facilitated its end through diplomatic negotiations and arms reduction.

Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, played a significant role in the progression of the Cold War. His policies, often referred to as the 'Reagan Doctrine', were characterised by a hardline stance against the Soviet Union, which initially escalated the Cold War tensions. Reagan's administration increased military spending dramatically, initiating the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), colloquially known as 'Star Wars'. This was a proposed missile defence system intended to protect the United States from attack by ballistic strategic nuclear weapons. The SDI was seen as a direct challenge to the Soviet Union, which could not match the technological and financial resources required, thereby escalating the arms race and intensifying the Cold War.

However, Reagan's policies were not solely focused on military confrontation. He also sought to undermine the Soviet Union through economic means. Reagan's administration implemented policies to weaken the Soviet economy, including efforts to reduce the price of oil, a major source of Soviet revenue. This economic pressure, combined with the increased military spending, put significant strain on the Soviet economy, contributing to its eventual collapse.

In the latter part of his presidency, Reagan shifted his approach from confrontation to negotiation. He engaged in several high-profile summits with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, leading to landmark agreements such as the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. This treaty eliminated an entire class of nuclear weapons, marking a significant de-escalation in the arms race. Reagan's willingness to negotiate with the Soviet Union, coupled with his earlier hardline policies, played a crucial role in bringing the Cold War to an end.

In conclusion, Reagan's policies had a profound impact on the progression of the Cold War. His initial hardline stance and military build-up escalated tensions, but his later shift towards diplomacy and arms reduction facilitated the end of the Cold War. His approach demonstrated the effectiveness of a combined strategy of military pressure and diplomatic engagement in dealing with geopolitical conflicts.