I wouldn’t downplay Reagan’s ‘peace through strength’ dynamic, but I’d also look at China as increasingly pulling strings on the continent.
I was roughly ten in the 1960’s when I read some US government official had said, “China will never develop the bomb because it’s not in their interest to do so.” I was stunned by the utter stupidity of the statement. Within months China had exploded a nuke. It’s not up to outsiders to decide what is in someone else’s interest. Each person sees their own interest and takes appropriate actions. If the neighbor has the ability to bomb and strafe you, you’d best develop the same capability fast if only to keep him honest and peaceful. My poster would read, “Peace through being able to kick the snot out of any potential contender.”