What Lies Beneath Icy Alaskan Summit?
Frank Gaffney, who served in the Reagan administration’s Department of Defense during the decisive years of the Cold War, sees the recent snow-covered Alaska Summit through the lens of hard-earned historical experience. In the 1980s, he witnessed firsthand how President Ronald Reagan’s firm policies and strategic resolve brought the Soviet Union to its knees. He also remembers the Rajkovic summit and Reagan’s famous phrase, “Trust but verify.” At the time, Gaffney was surprised by the choice of words. Today, he says that when it comes to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the first half of that maxim no longer applies—Putin can never be trusted.
Gaffney’s perspective extends beyond Russia. A leading expert on both the Muslim Brotherhood and the Chinese Communist Party, he draws sharp comparisons between China’s ambitions today and Soviet Russia’s posture in the 1980s. In his view, both share an expansionist, authoritarian vision and a willingness to exploit the openness of free societies for strategic gain. The difference, he warns, is that the CCP’s arsenal—ranging from economic leverage to technological theft and influence operations—is far more sophisticated than anything the Soviets possessed.
The Reagan administration’s approach to the Soviet Union offers a blueprint: strengthen military capabilities, compete economically, expose human rights abuses, and wage an unrelenting battle of ideas. Gaffney argues that these lessons are as urgent now as they were during the Cold War, but they must be updated for the 21st century to counter Beijing’s tactics and Moscow’s ongoing threats.
For Gaffney, the significance of the Alaska Summit will not be fully understood in the immediate aftermath. The real measure, he says, will be in the days, weeks, and months ahead, as the practical consequences of the agreements—or the betrayals—become clear. In his assessment, history has already shown that unearned trust is a liability in foreign policy.
The Cold War was won through patience, strength, and principle. According to Gaffney, facing today’s geopolitical challenges will require even more of all three.
The Cold War was won through resolve. We will need even more of it now.
Relevant Article(s):
Putin suggests nuclear deal with US ahead of Trump Alaska talks on Ukraine | Fox News
Watch: Kremlin negotiator speaks to CNN ahead of Alaska summit | CNN
OPTIONAL Q&A
- What was Frank Gaffney’s role in the Reagan administration during the Cold War?
- How does Gaffney view Ronald Reagan’s “Trust but verify” quote in today’s context with Putin?
- What parallels does Gaffney draw between Soviet Russia in the 1980s and China today?
- Why does Gaffney believe Putin can never be trusted?
- What strategic tools does Gaffney say the Chinese Communist Party uses that the Soviets did not?
- Which Cold War strategies does Gaffney believe can be applied to China today?
- Why does Gaffney say the full significance of the Alaska Summit will take time to understand?
- What qualities does Gaffney think are essential for the U.S. to prevail in today’s geopolitical climate?
ABOUT FRANK GAFFNEY…
Frank J. Gaffney is the President of the Institute for the American Future. He acted as President Reagan’s Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy and served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Forces and Arms Control Policy. Mr. Gaffney founded and led for thirty-seven years the Center for Security Policy. He is the host of “Securing America with Frank Gaffney” on the Real America’s Voice network and the co-author of The Indictment: Prosecuting the Chinese Communist Party and Friends for Crimes Against America, China and the World.
Websites:
www.CenterForSecurityPolicy.org
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