By: History.com Editors

1986

Soviet-U.S. arms control talks break down over President Reagan’s “Star Wars” initiative

History.com Editors

Published: November 13, 2009

Last Updated: February 18, 2025

Following up on their successful November 1985 summit meeting in Geneva, President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev meet in Reykjavik, Iceland, to continue discussions about curbing their intermediate missile arsenals in Europe. Just when it appears that agreement might be reached, the talks fall apart amid accusations and recriminations, and U.S.-Soviet relations take a giant step backwards.

The sticking point arose when Gorbachev requested that the talks concerning the missiles be expanded to include limitations on America’s Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI). Referred to as the “Star Wars” initiative by opponents, SDI was one of Reagan’s pet projects. A multi-billion-dollar program, SDI was supposed to use space technology to provide a “shield” from nuclear attacks.

Not surprisingly, Reagan refused to consider Gorbachev’s suggestion, and the talks ended with no agreement in hand. Reagan charged the Soviet leader with bad faith in trying to expand the parameters of the talks. Back in the Soviet Union, Gorbachev reported that Reagan seemed to be lying about his desire for serious negotiations concerning arms limitations. Talks on the missile issue did not resume until December 1987, when the two leaders met for a third summit in Washington, and Gorbachev dropped his insistence on including SDI in the negotiations.

Why Reagan’s ‘Star Wars’ Defense Plan Remained Science Fiction

Reagan said he wanted to avoid nuclear Armageddon, critics called the Strategic Defense Initiative far-fetched and expensive.

By: Lesley Kennedy

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1964

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1972

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Citation Information

Article title
Soviet-U.S. arms control talks break down over President Reagan’s “Star Wars” initiative
Website Name
History
Date Accessed
March 24, 2025
Publisher
A&E Television Networks
Last Updated
February 18, 2025
Original Published Date
November 13, 2009

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