How did Gorbachev and Reagan work together to cool tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union?
Gorbachev and Reagan worked together to cool tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union through a series of diplomatic meetings and negotiations. They engaged in a series of summits, such as the Geneva Summit in 1985 and the Reykjavik Summit in 1986, where they discussed arms control and other issues related to the Cold War.
One of the key agreements they reached was the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 1987, which eliminated an entire class of nuclear weapons and helped to reduce the risk of nuclear war between the two superpowers. They also worked towards reducing military tensions in regions such as Afghanistan and Central America.
Additionally, Gorbachev's policy of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) helped to foster greater communication and cooperation between the two countries. This shift in Soviet policy towards a more conciliatory approach to the West contributed to the easing of tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
Overall, through their dialogue and willingness to engage in negotiations, Gorbachev and Reagan played a significant role in cooling tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, ultimately leading to the end of the Cold War.