Engaging the Evil Empire

Engaging the Evil Empire reexamines the pivotal years of US-Soviet relations from 1980 to 1985, revealing how covert engagement evolved into open diplomacy during the Cold War's twilight. Simon Miles illustrates President Ronald Reagan’s strategic mix of outreach and military build-up, challenging the notion that a purely conciliatory approach led to reduced tensions. By shifting the focus from Washington to the internal discussions within the Soviet leadership, the narrative provides a nuanced understanding of the geopolitical dynamics at play. This comprehensive account illuminates the complex interplay of strategy and diplomacy that characterized a critical era in history.