International Affairs in Ronald Reagan’s 1980 Presidential Campaign
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12797/AdAmericam.26.2025.26.03Keywords:
War, SALT II, détente, Carter, Reagan, arms race, Soviet Union, USSRAbstract
In general opinion, international affairs do not play a decisive role in shaping Americans’ attitudes in presidential elections. However, extensive documentation on the campaign activities of Republican candidate Ronald Reagan against Democrat Jimmy Carter allows for an examination of the validity of this claim. Considering Reagan’s inclusion of key issues in his campaign platform — such as the restoration of the United States’ political and military potential, criticism of Carter’s policies (symbolized by the SALT II treaty, which enabled Soviet rearmament) and the irrational adherence to détente — it becomes evident that the Republican candidate addressed concerns that resonated with the electorate. Through Reagan’s speeches, Americans increasingly realized that the Soviet Union had exploited détente to expand its military capabilities and pursue aggressive actions in Africa, in cooperation with Cuba, ultimately leading to the invasion of Afghanistan. These developments were increasingly perceived as a consequence of Carter’s weakness as President. Such sentiments were particularly widespread following the hostage crisis in Tehran, where Islamic radicals seized the US Embassy and took 53 Americans hostage. As a result, voters’ attention to international affairs increased more than in previous elections, leading to greater support for strengthening the United States’ global position. Naturally, economic conditions in the US and citizens’ personal hardships remained crucial factors, as many Americans faced declining living standards. However, these were not the sole determinants of electoral preferences. This election was, to some extent, different from previous ones, with the majority of voters favoring a candidate who projected the dynamism necessary for improving their situation and reinforcing the US role in global affairs. For many, that candidate was Ronald Reagan, who further bolstered his chances of victory through his exceptional ability to communicate with the electorate, earning him the title “The Great Communicator”.
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