What significant aspect did Ronald Reagan focus on regarding the Soviet Union during his presidency?

During his presidency, Ronald Reagan placed a significant emphasis on nuclear disarmament as a key aspect of his foreign policy concerning the Soviet Union. He recognized the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons and sought to reduce the nuclear arsenals of both the United States and the Soviet Union. This focus was evident through various initiatives and negotiations, such as the Strategic Arms Reduction Talks (START) and the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) signed in 1987, which aimed to eliminate an entire category of nuclear missiles. Reagan's approach combined a firm stance against the Soviet military while advocating for arms reduction, contributing to the eventual de-escalation of Cold War tensions.

In contrast, trade agreements, space exploration, and economic sanctions were not the primary focus of his administration's foreign policy regarding the Soviet Union. While these elements may have played a role in broader U.S. foreign affairs, they did not represent the central theme of Reagan's strategy in managing relations with the Soviet Union. Thus, his commitment to nuclear disarmament stands out as the defining aspect of his presidency concerning this superpower.