What does the sentence mean?

[japanjapan]

Dear teachers,
Please look at the following sentence:
Mr Reagan was in the right place at the right time, as much constrained by the political situation as master of it.

I don't understand the latter part of the sentence. Is "as much as" a phrase here?
Would you like to paraphrase the second part the sentence for me?
Thanks

[Casiopea]

Dear teachers,
Please look at the following sentence:
Mr Reagan was in the right place at the right time, as much constrained by the political situation as master of it.

I don't understand the latter part of the sentence. Is "as much as" a phrase here?
Would you like to paraphrase the second part the sentence for me?
Thanks

as much this as that
==> 'this' and 'that' are being equated, like this,

He was a) constrained by the political situation as well as b) master of the political situation.

All the best,

[MikeNewYork]

Dear teachers,
Please look at the following sentence:
Mr Reagan was in the right place at the right time, as much constrained by the political situation as master of it.

I don't understand the latter part of the sentence. Is "as much as" a phrase here?
Would you like to paraphrase the second part the sentence for me?
Thanks

The author is evidently a critic of Mr. Reagan. He is trying to make the case that Reagan was as much controlled by the situatiion with the Soviet Union as he was the master of the events that occurred. I think "constrianed" is a poor choice of words here. :wink: