ABSTRACT
In the 1980s, with two strongly Atlanticist leaders in London and Washington – Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan – the Relationship re-emerged as a major element of international politics. Becoming Conservative leader in 1975, Thatcher heralded decisive change for Britain's society and economy and, crucially, an activist foreign policy allied with America. Conflating American notions of liberty with capitalism, Reagan's foreign policy attitude remained clear. Fixed on Russia, his Administration would end the slide in American economic and strategic fortunes that had occurred since Vietnam. In the Horn of Africa, Carter's Administration played its own game. Reagan's advent began stronger American efforts to confront Russia – as promised in the election campaign, Reagan and his advisors took the offensive against Russian inroads in the wider world. Whilst Reagan proposed a 'zero-zero' policy after taking office – both alliances eliminate INF in Europe – new governments in Bonn and Paris helped Thatcher.
