Published Mar 13, 2023

312: Reagan, Iran-Contra and the Cold War

Explore Ronald Reagan's transformative yet controversial presidency as Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook delve into Reaganomics challenges, his charismatic Hollywood-fueled leadership, pivotal Cold War diplomacy, and the scandalous Iran-Contra affair that left a complex legacy in American history.

Episode Highlights

Topics covered

Episode Highlights

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Dexa/The Rest Is History

312: Reagan, Iran-Contra and the Cold War

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Presidential Influence

Covert Operations Unraveled

Reagan's Royal Image

Reagan's 1984 Campaign

Morning in America

Reagan's Complex Legacy

Reagan's Optimistic Diplomacy

Reagan's Leadership Struggles

Reagan's Inaugural Truth

Reagan's Nuclear Paradox

Celebrity and Politics

Reagan's Legacy

Therapy and Connections

Reykjavik's Sticking Point

Episode Highlights

Economic Policies

Reagan's Image

Cold War Tactics

The Iran-Contra Affair

Related Episodes

311: Reagan: The Road to the White House

310: Ronald Reagan and the American Dream

393. JFK: Cuba, Camelot and the Cold War (Part 2)

153. God and the American Empire

92. Nuclear Weapons

12. Conspiracy Theories

106. Watergate: Part 1

107. Watergate: Part 2

513. America in '68: Nixon's Great Comeback (Part 6)

397. JFK: A Conspiracy Unmasked (Part 6)

510. America in '68: The Killing of Robert Kennedy (Part 3)

6. Troy

72. The Vietnam War

398. JFK: The Mystery is Solved (Part 7)

41. Persia

312: Reagan, Iran-Contra and the Cold War

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Economic PoliciesReaganomics, characterized by tax cuts and deregulation, was a defining feature of Ronald Reagan's presidency. Despite its ambitious goals, the policy faced significant economic challenges, including unprecedented deficits and recession.

Economic Policies

Reagan's ImageTom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore Ronald Reagan's presidency, focusing on his regal image and Hollywood influence. They discuss how these elements shaped his political style and public perception, contributing to his enduring legacy.

Reagan's Image

Cold War TacticsReagan's presidency was defined by his complex relationship with nuclear weapons and his efforts to thaw relations with the Soviet Union. His paradoxical stance on nuclear disarmament and optimistic diplomacy with Gorbachev marked significant shifts in Cold War dynamics.

Cold War Tactics

The Iran-Contra AffairThe Iran-Contra affair reveals the intricate web of arms deals and covert operations during Reagan's presidency. It showcases the administration's attempts to navigate international crises while skirting legal boundaries.

The Iran-Contra Affair

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