Reagan and Gorbachev’s Meetings Highlighted in ‘The Brink of War’

In the late 1980s, President Ronald Reagan met with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev on five occasions. Their initial meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, in November 1985, marked the beginning of a diplomatic relationship. The subsequent meeting in Reykjavik, Iceland, saw the two leaders developing trust.

Michael Gunn, director of “The Brink of War,” reflects on these historical gatherings. He noted, “These days, we’ve become proficient at yelling but not talking. What amazed me was that these two leaders had reasons to be adversaries yet chose to collaborate for a better world.”

“The Brink of War,” featuring Jeff Daniels as Reagan, spotlights the 1986 Reykjavik summit with Gorbachev, portrayed by Jared Harris. J.K. Simmons plays George Schultz, Reagan’s Secretary of State, who offered Gunn key insights for the film. Gunn said, “We spent numerous hours together. He shared declassified transcripts that were crucial to the script. The movie is dedicated to him, for his public service.”

The movie delves into how Reagan and Gorbachev established trust during nuclear arms talks in Iceland. Not only does it highlight the administration’s peace ambitions but also the challenges encountered. A pivotal scene illustrates Reagan’s doubts about trusting Gorbachev, with Schultz reassuring him that negotiations would continue.

While no final agreement emerged from Iceland, the summit set the stage for future dialogues between the two leaders. It eventually led to treaties such as the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which mandated the dismantling of a category of nuclear weapons.

Michael Gunn emphasizes the importance of dialogue, seeing Reagan and Gorbachev’s engagement as a lesson for modern-day leaders facing conflicts. “We reached the point of near-agreement on reducing strategic and intermediate-range weapons,” Reagan stated after the Reykjavik summit. “Eliminating offensive ballistic missiles was seen as an impossible dream, yet it became a shared objective.”

Gunn hopes the discussions between Reagan and Gorbachev serve as an inspiration today. “The lesson is to persist in dialogue. Even under challenging circumstances, by seeking peace sincerely with a true partner, we can achieve a safer world,” he concluded.

“The Brink of War” premieres on August 14, offering viewers insight into these pivotal historical moments.

Bret Baier serves as the anchor and executive editor of Special Report with Bret Baier on FOX News Channel, airing weeknights from 6-7 PM ET. He joined the network in 1998 and is recognized as a leading news anchor in the nation.