Which of the following best explains the effect of ronald reagan’s election to the presidency of united states foreign policy?

Question: Which of the following best explains the effect of ronald reagan’s election to the presidency of united states foreign policy?

The election of Ronald Reagan as President of the United States marked a significant shift in the country's foreign policy, primarily characterized by a more assertive stance against the Soviet Union and communism globally. Reagan's approach, often referred to as the Reagan Doctrine, sought to contain and eventually roll back the influence of communism by providing support to anti-communist movements worldwide. This policy led to the largest military buildup in U.S. history, including the Strategic Defense Initiative, and saw the U.S. supporting various groups such as the Contras in Nicaragua and the mujahideen in Afghanistan. Despite his hardline stance, Reagan's second term saw a thawing of relations with the Soviet Union, culminating in the signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 1987. His administration was also marked by controversies such as the Iran-Contra affair, which revealed the complexities of Cold War-era foreign policy. Overall, Reagan's presidency is often credited with contributing to the eventual end of the Cold War, reflecting a foreign policy that was both confrontational and conciliatory.