The older guys will remember that Africa, Reagan, mercenaries, Jonas Savimbi, Amin, South Africa, Rhodesia, Communism, were all very topical and of much African conversation during the Reagan years.
I don’t have a recollection of those events.
My political awareness began listening to Bob Grant in the mid 80s — otherwise, I had no insights as I was a busy young man preoccupied with keeping my business afloat. Unfortunately the conservative record of choice didn’t begin until 1997. I suppose I’m in a similar situation now still obliged to work most of the time, but now armed with the political insights here at FR.