Reagan’s SDI was a very successful blackmail. ... The Soviet Union tried to keep up pace with the U.S. military buildup, but the Soviet economy couldn’t endure such competition.  - Gennady Gerasimov, senior Soviet Foreign Ministry spokesman

It was a cold, brisk autumn day in 1985. I had just finished my classes at the University of Michigan and had rushed home to my dorm to wind down and watch a little TV when I saw this regal figure stroll confidently down the stairs of this magnificent mansion without a coat and with an extended hand of friendship to his Russian counterpart, who was covered from head-to-toe with winter attire looking very uncomfortable. Who was this man? This was President Reagan at the Chateau Fleur d’Eau just outside of Geneva – the prologue to the Reykjavik summit a year later.  Full Piece