Turmoil And Triumph: The George Shultz Years: To Start The World Again

This three-part series chronicles the career and contributions of Secretary of State George Shultz, the key shaper of foreign policy in President Ronald Reagan’s administration.

Philippines dissident Nimoy Aquino is assassinated and the island nation is thrown into turmoil. The administration continues to be concerned with the Nicaraguan Contras and with the release of hostages in Iran. As Reagan is sworn in for his second term, Shultz works to set up a summit meeting with the new Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev. While Reagan and Shultz are in Geneva, the situation in the Philippines erupts when Aquino’s widow, Corazon, is elected president but Ferdinand Marcos declares himself the winner. Ignoring White House staff objections, Shultz persuades Reagan to abandon Marcos and recognize Aquino.

Watch more video highlights from this series online.