It happens that the 1980s were one of those occasions in history when ideology was necessary and when realists became ideologues from that necessity. Reagan realized that if the American people were to meet the challenge from the Soviets in 1981, that they would have to be convinced that defending and advancing liberty was their historic and God-given mission. He also saw that the desire for liberty of the subject peoples of the Soviet empire was its most vulnerable point.

He crusaded for liberty; he advanced the interests of America; he liberated half the world. And he made it look easy.

Requiescat in Pace.  

 

John O'Sullivan is editor of The National Interest.