Robert McFarlane was National Security Advisor to President Reagan from 1983-1985, and a leading architect of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI). In the interview he discusses Reagans strategic modernization program. He notes the presidents response to the nuclear freeze movement, and the freeze movements response to Reagans proposal for strategic reductions. He moves onto SDI, which he says was designed as a military solution and as a moral alternative to nuclear weapons. He describes the evolution of Soviet-American arms control negotiations, which he credits Reagan with planning from the very beginning. He notes the political ramifications of this shift in tone, and the specific reactions of some of Reagans cabinet members, especially Caspar Weinberger. He also describes Gorbachev as a politician, and explains his popularity.
