Interestingly, in Foreign Relations, the "Gentlemanly demeanor" paid off, Foreign Diplomats trusted and respected Reagan. The American media, not so much.
Reagan responded with "Trust But Verify", the Diplomatic regimen that resulted in the peaceful dissolution of the Soviet Union.
After 1985, Reagan himself created Diplomatic Policy that allowed him to create and build (if necessary) the "Star Wars" Anti Ballistic Missile Defense System, AND offer the same system to the Soviet Union, for THEIR defense, free. This, in conjunction with Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty adjustments (some of which Reagan refused).
The point that shines here is Reagan accomplished this miracle by use of Strong Gentlemanly Diplomacy, and Legitimate concern for the defense of the citizens of the US AND subjects of the Soviet Union, not offensive US Military action.
Reagan left the Presidency in 1989, the most successful peacemaker in modern history.
Agreed.
Reagan used soft power but Russia knew he wasn’t bluffing when he was tough talking. He used hard power when necessary.
Reagan was listened to as a gentleman because people new he wasn’t bluffing and had a backbone made of iron.