If... many influential people have failed to understand, or have

"If... many influential people have failed to understand, or have just forgotten, what we were up against in the Cold War and how we overcame it, they are not going to be capable of securing, let alone enlarging, the gains that liberty has made." These words from Margaret Thatcher serve as a sharp reminder that the freedom and liberty we cherish today were not easily won, nor should they be taken for granted. The struggle of the Cold War, a confrontation between the forces of totalitarianism and the ideals of democracy, was not merely an ideological battle, but a test of the very willpower and resolve of the free world. Thatcher’s words implore us to remember the sacrifices, sacrifices that were made to secure liberty, and to recognize the dangers of complacency when it comes to preserving that freedom.

In the ancient world, the struggle between freedom and oppression was also ever-present. The Greeks understood the value of liberty, having fought numerous wars, like the Peloponnesian War, to defend their democratic way of life against forces seeking to impose control. In their minds, the battle for freedom was never one of absolute certainty; it required constant vigilance and a readiness to act against the encroachment of tyranny. Pericles, the great Athenian leader, recognized that to preserve the strength of democracy, one had to keep the people engaged, vigilant, and prepared to defend their system of government against those who sought to destroy it. The lessons of history echo in Thatcher's call to remember the Cold War—the fight against Soviet expansion, the sacrifices of the free world, and the unwavering resolve required to protect what had been achieved.

During the Cold War, a global struggle played out not just between governments, but between worldviews. The United States, under the leadership of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, stood resolutely against the Soviet Union, a totalitarian regime that sought to spread communism across the globe. In the face of this existential threat, the free world was not only defending its own sovereignty, but the very principles of democracy, individual rights, and freedom of expression. Reagan’s famous declaration, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall," was more than just a call to dismantle a physical barrier; it was a call to dismantle an entire system that kept millions under the grip of oppression. It was through this relentless struggle, supported by the collective will of people who understood the stakes, that the Cold War was ultimately won.

However, as Thatcher warns, there is a great danger in forgetting the cost of these victories. Liberty is fragile, and its preservation requires more than just passing down its ideals from one generation to the next. The present is shaped by the sacrifices of those who lived through the Cold War and fought to keep the flame of freedom alive, but those who fail to understand the nature of this struggle risk losing the hard-won gains. The fight for freedom is never over, and it is only through constant engagement, awareness, and commitment to preserving those gains that we can ensure they are not undermined by complacency or ignorance.

One powerful example of this lesson is the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, a moment that signaled the end of Soviet control over Eastern Europe. But the collapse of communism did not occur because of mere chance; it was the result of the courage, perseverance, and determination of the people who stood up against oppression. As the Iron Curtain lifted, it became clear that freedom was not simply a given, nor was it an outcome of political negotiation alone. It was the culmination of years of sacrifice, struggle, and the belief that liberty could never be abandoned without the direst consequences.

Thatcher’s warning about forgetting the lessons of the Cold War applies to our own time. As populist movements rise and the shadows of authoritarianism seem to creep into modern democracies, the danger of complacency becomes ever more apparent. Just as the Soviet Union once sought to undermine freedom, there are those today who wish to see the system of democracy and individual rights weakened. In order to protect our gains, we must be aware of the challenges we face and remain committed to the principles that have brought us this far. We cannot afford to forget the sacrifices made by those who fought against tyranny, nor can we allow the lessons of the Cold War to slip from our collective memory.

The lesson from Thatcher’s words is clear: freedom and liberty are not inevitable, nor are they easily preserved. They are hard-won, and they must be defended constantly. Complacency is the enemy of liberty, for when we forget what was once at stake, we risk losing the very freedoms that were so dearly fought for. As individuals and societies, we must remain vigilant, aware of the struggles of the past, and ever-ready to protect the principles that allow us to live in freedom. Only by doing so can we ensure that the gains made in the past are secured for future generations. We must never forget the cost of liberty, and we must work together to preserve and expand its reach.