The U.S. and Soviet versions of Reykjavik
Newly released documents from the National Security Archive reveal the intense, failed negotiations between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev at the 1986 Reykjavik summit. Despite coming close to a nuclear abolition agreement, the talks stalled due to mutual distrust and disagreements over the Strategic Defense Initiative.
Why it matters
These transcripts provide historical insight into the Cold War's most pivotal missed opportunity for nuclear disarmament, shaping modern perspectives on international diplomacy.
Soviet and American transcripts of conversations in the Hofdi House show real “Shakesperean passions” as Gorbachev described his experience of negotiations. The Soviet and U.S. leaders came very close to achieving their shared dream of nuclear abolition but the spirit of SDI hanging over them prevented the agreement. Gorbachev could not trust Reagan’s promises. The record of the last session of the summit is almost heartbreaking as both Reagan and Gorbachev feel the weight of the missed opportunity. At the same time, the unprecedented negotiations of delegations led by Marshal Sergey Akhromeyev and Paul Nitze showed the level of honesty and transparency never seen before. Although ending without a concrete agreement, the Reykjavik summit launched a new era of arms control and deep reductions of strategic weapons.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in