American Experience

Mikhail Gorbachev on Ending the Cold War

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MIKHAIL GORBACHEV (AND TRANSLATOR): I think that Gorbachev should get credit and the changes that happened in the Soviet Union and that changed both in domestic and foreign policies of the Soviet Union should get credit. That was very important. But Reagan, Shultz, and George Bush, they too should get credit because without their work, again, we wouldn't have ended the Cold War. Also, Mitterand, Thatcher, Andriotti, Chancellor Kohl, all of them too should get part of the credit. So I think it was an important moment when the leaders of the leading countries of the world were able to reach a mutual understanding and act responsibly. But it was all a very dramatic process. After Reykjavik, Mrs. Thatcher, for example, was very concerned. She said, you may remember, "One more Reykjavik and we'll be in trouble." Then we had a talk with her but we were able to reach common ground with her, as well. Even though she is very stubborn and very consistent, very persistent person in promoting nuclear deterrence.

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