The impact of Ronald Reagan’s foreign policy (1981-1989) on George W.Bush’war on terror (2001-2009)

Abstract

After the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush launched the Global War on Terror, focusing primarily on the Middle East. This war marked a turning point in U.S. global strategy and remained a central pillar of national security for many years. Yet this was not the first American war on terrorism. Under President Ronald Reagan, the United States had already waged such a struggle. Reagan’s hardline stance, exemplified by the 1986 preemptive strike on Libya, underscored the prominence of counterterrorism in his foreign policy. This approach
influenced George W. Bush, particularly in shaping the Global War on Terror. This article thus examines the impact of Reagan’s policies on Bush’s counterterrorism strategy, clarifying continuities and developments in U.S. policy.