American Exceptionalism and the Reagan Doctrine: The Belief That Won the Cold War

Abstract

In Ronald Reagan’s 1964 speech on behalf of Barry Goldwater, “A Time for Choosing,” we see the imprint of his belief in American Exceptionalism, a conviction that will anchor his political philosophy—and his foreign policy—throughout his presidency. By “exceptionalism” I am recognizing at least two elements that Reagan lays out in this speech and many others. The first is that people around the world recognize the USA as exceptional. The second is the blessing and responsibility that Americans have due to the exceptional country that they have been handed by their forebears. Reagan was thankful for that blessing but took very seriously his responsibility as a national leader to live up to the responsibilities to world security and the promotion of freedom everywhere.