Can Trump Spend Putin into Oblivion?

The Cold War era saw a dramatic power struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union. One key strategy employed by President Ronald Reagan to undermine the Soviet Union was his bold use of defense spending, which effectively outpaced the Soviet Union’s economic capacity and exacerbated its systemic weaknesses. This historical precedent has sparked discussions about whether a similar approach might be relevant in modern geopolitics, particularly under leaders like Donald Trump, who emphasized economic and military competition during his tenure.

Reagan’s Strategy: Outspending the Soviets

Reagan’s strategy centered on a significant buildup of U.S. military capabilities. He launched ambitious programs such as the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), also known as “Star Wars,” which envisioned a space-based missile defense system. Although the feasibility of SDI was questioned, its psychological impact on Soviet leadership was profound. Facing an already strained economy, the Soviet Union attempted to keep pace with U.S. military advancements, which further strained its resources.

Reagan’s economic policies also played a role. By implementing tax cuts and deregulation, he spurred robust economic growth in the United States, giving the U.S. government more fiscal leeway to sustain its military expenditures. Simultaneously, he…