The Lasting Legacy of ‘Peace Through Strength’

This analytical article by Eric S. Edelman, former Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, examines the enduring impact of President Ronald Reagan’s defense strategy known as 'Peace Through Strength.' The piece contextualizes Reagan's policies against the backdrop of American declinism in the mid-to-late 1970s, a period marked by the aftermath of the Vietnam War, stagflation, and eroded public confidence in U.S. global leadership. Edelman argues that Reagan’s significant military buildup was instrumental in ending the Cold War and establishing the foundation for contemporary American military power. By reversing the hollowing out of the armed forces and restoring bipartisan support for defense spending, the administration not only countered Soviet influence but also revitalized the concept of U.S. leadership on the world stage. The article serves as a historical retrospective, highlighting how these strategic decisions continue to shape current national defense strategies and geopolitical dynamics. It underscores the transition from a era of perceived weakness to one of renewed strength, offering insights into the long-term structural changes in U.S. foreign policy and military capability that remain relevant in modern security discussions.