How Did the Cold War End? Reagan, Gorbachev & the Secret Summit That Changed History

How did the Cold War really end?

Most Americans know about the Berlin Wall and the fall of the Soviet Union—but few know about the extraordinary meeting that helped make it all possible.

On this episode of American History Hotline, host Bob Crawford speaks with filmmaker Michael Russell Gunn, writer and director of The Brink of War, about the dramatic 1986 Reykjavik Summit between President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

Together, they explore how two longtime rivals came closer than ever to eliminating nuclear weapons, why one word nearly derailed the negotiations, and how this little-known diplomatic breakthrough helped bring the Cold War to an end. Along the way, Michael shares behind-the-scenes stories from making the film, including filming in the actual room where history was made and using newly declassified transcripts to recreate the conversations.

You'll learn:

• Why the Reykjavik Summit became a turning point in the Cold War
• How Reagan and Gorbachev built trust despite decades of hostility
• The true story behind Reagan's famous phrase, "Trust, but verify"
• How close the world came to eliminating nuclear weapons
• Why these events still matter in today's world

Whether you're fascinated by Cold War history, Ronald Reagan, Mikhail Gorbachev, diplomacy, nuclear weapons, or untold stories from American history, this episode brings one of history's most important—and least understood—moments to life.

Guest: Michael Russell Gunn, writer and director of The Brink of War

American History Hotline is the podcast where your questions about American history are answered by leading historians, authors, filmmakers, and experts—all with a fun, entertaining, and educational approach.