The assassination of Nimoy Aquino, the continuing Nicaraguan Contra and Iran hostage concerns, the Geneva summit with Soviet leader Gorbachev and the election of Corazon Aquino as president in the Philippines.

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.