Reaganism

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick. They discuss the pivotal role of Pennsylvania in national politics, particularly in relation to tariffs and trade policies. He emphasizes the need for fairness in trade relationships, the importance of industrial policy for national security, and the role of government in fostering economic growth. The discussion also touches on the complexities of negotiating trade deals, the future of U.S.-China relations, and the necessity of revitalizing American manufacturing. Sen. McCormick also highlights the strategic challenges posed by China, the importance of a robust U.S. foreign policy, and the need to address rising anti-Semitism in America. He reflects on his recent trip to the Middle East, emphasizing the existential threat posed by Iran and the need for a united front against adversaries.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by Dr. Zack Cooper, who is a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. They discuss Dr. Cooper's book, Tides of Fortune, which explores the rise and decline of great militaries, focusing on China's military buildup and its implications for U.S. defense strategy. The discussion covers the historical context of military power, the dynamics of rising and declining powers, and the need for the U.S. to reassess its military investments in light of China's advancements. Dr. Cooper emphasizes the importance of a balanced military mix and the role of technology in modern warfare, advocating for a strategic shift in U.S. defense policy to address emerging threats effectively.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by the Honorable Dr. John Hillen who serves as the James C. Wheat Jr. Professor in Leadership at the Wilson Center and is also a professor in the government and foreign affairs department at Hampden-Sydney College. They discuss the importance of strategic thinking in both business and government. Dr. Hillen emphasizes that while many business executives focus on task accomplishment, only a small percentage naturally think strategically. He draws parallels between military training and business strategy, highlighting the need for leaders to develop strategic and interpersonal skills as they advance in their careers. The discussion also touches on the current state of global leadership, the lessons from history, and the philosophical differences in American foreign policy regarding spheres of influence versus systems of governance.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by Hon. Hanno Pevkur who serves as the Minister of Defence for the Republic of Estonia. They discuss the current geopolitical landscape, Russia's aggressive actions in Eastern Europe, and the importance of NATO and collective defense. Minister Pevkur emphasizes Estonia's commitment to its own defense and support for Ukraine. The conversation reflects on historical contexts, the significance of NATO's Article 5, and the challenges posed by Russian influence in the region.

In this episode of Reaganism, Chairman Mike Rogers discusses the critical state of national defense funding, emphasizing the need for increased investment to address the lowest defense spending levels since World War II. He highlights the challenges facing the defense industrial base, the importance of sustained investment in munitions, and the necessity of strategic planning to counter global threats. The conversation also touches on fiscal responsibility and the imperative of maintaining a strong military to ensure national security.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by Dr. Paul Kengor a prominent scholar on Ronald Reagan, and author of ‘The Crusader'. They discuss the significance of the ‘Evil Empire' speech, exploring how it framed the Cold War in moral terms and the role of speechwriting in shaping Reagan's legacy as a communicator. Dr. Kengor emphasizes the importance of Anthony Dolan's contributions and the moral clarity that President Reagan brought to foreign policy during a pivotal time in history. In this conversation, they explore the moral vision of Ronald Reagan, the significance of speechwriting in politics, and the role of morality in foreign policy. They discuss how President Reagan's speeches were influenced by his faith and the religious backgrounds of his speechwriters.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director of the Center for Civics, Education, and Opportunity Dan Rothschild is joined by Shruti Rajagopalan who is a Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center. They discuss the evolving relationship between the United States and India, emphasizing the significance of economic engagement, the impact of the 1991 reforms, and India's emerging identity on the global stage. They explore how India views itself in the context of global politics, its relationship with the US, and the challenges and opportunities in manufacturing, particularly in light of the China plus one strategy.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by Joseph Lonsdale who is Founder and Managing Partner at 8VC. They discuss the impact of Doge on government transparency and efficiency, the need for budget cuts in Congress, and the importance of technology in improving government operations. Mr. Lonsdale also addresses the rise of anti-Semitism and the alliance between Jews and Christians in combating hate and promoting shared values.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by Alex Gray who serves as CEO of American Global Strategies LLC. They discuss the strategic importance of Greenland and the Panama Canal in U.S. foreign policy, particularly during the Trump administration. Gray emphasizes the historical context of U.S. interest in Greenland, the potential for Chinese influence in the Arctic, and the implications of Greenland's possible independence. The discussion then shifts to the Panama Canal, highlighting concerns over Chinese control and the need for U.S. involvement in its governance.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by Dr. Tevi Troy who servces as a Senior Fellow at the Ronald Reagan Institute. They discuss the intricacies of how the White House makes policy, the evolution and role of various policy councils, and the dynamics of President Trump's second term, particularly focusing on the communication strategies employed by Vice President Vance. Troy emphasizes the importance of a structured policy-making process and the potential pitfalls of proliferating councils that may dilute their effectiveness.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Policy Director Rachel Hoff is joined by Dr. Mark Clifford who serves as President of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong and author of the book, “The Troublemaker: How Jimmy Lai Became a Billionaire, Hong Kong's Greatest Dissident, and China's Most Feared Critic.” They discuss Jimmy Lai's early life in China, his rise as a successful entrepreneur, and his eventual transition into media, where he became a vocal critic of the Chinese Communist Party. The discussion also covers the impact of the Tiananmen Square protests on Lai's activism, the role of his media outlets during the 2019 protests in Hong Kong, and the international response to his imprisonment.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by Dr. Henry Nau who serves as Distinguished Scholar at the Ronald Reagan Institute. They discuss the legacy of President Ronald Reagan, exploring his economic policies, leadership style, and the significance of his ideas in shaping contemporary politics. Dr. Nau emphasizes the importance of understanding Reagan's record and the impact of his beliefs on his presidency, particularly in the context of the Cold War and his approach to negotiation.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Policy Director Rachel Hoff is joined by Damon Wilson who is the President and CEO of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). They discuss the organization's origins, its connection to President Reagan, and its ongoing mission to promote democracy worldwide. They discuss the importance of supporting grassroots movements, the definition of democracy, and the relationship between U.S. interests and democracy promotion. Wilson addresses criticisms of NED, the impact of U.S. foreign assistance policies, and the need for transparency and accountability in their operations.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by Yaakov Katz who is a Senior Fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute. They discuss the ongoing cycle of conflict with Hamas, questioning the long-term effectiveness of military operations that have decimated Gaza but failed to fully eliminate Hamas, and the relationship between Netanyahu and Trump and the complexity of their differing views on diplomacy and military action towards Iran.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director of the Center for Civics, Education, and Opportunity Daniel M. Rothschild is joined by Dr. Samuel Gregg who serves as the Friedrich Hayek Chair in Economics and Economic History at the American Institute for Economic Research. They discuss the current state of free markets in America, emphasizing the critical choices facing the nation in the upcoming election. They explore the intertwining of economic, moral, and cultural dimensions in shaping public policy and the role of civil society. Dr. Gregg highlights the importance of historical figures like Wilhelm Röpke in understanding the foundations of economic freedom and critiques the welfare state while advocating for a revival of civil society to address genuine needs. The discussion also touches on the responsibilities of businesses in society and the need for a long-term perspective in political and economic discourse.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Policy Director Rachel Hoff is joined by Sir William Browder who is the Head of the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign. They discuss his extraordinary journey from a capitalist in Russia to a leading figure in the fight against corruption and human rights abuses. Browder recounts the tragic story of his lawyer, Sergey Magnitsky, who was tortured and killed in a Russian prison after uncovering a massive fraud involving the Russian government. This led to the creation of the Magnitsky Act, a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at holding human rights violators accountable. Browder discusses the global impact of the Magnitsky Act and its potential to change the landscape of accountability for corruption and human rights abuses.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger Zakheim and Rachel Hoff discuss the findings of the Reagan National Defense Survey, highlighting the American public's views on foreign policy, military spending, and trust in institutions. They explore the increasing desire for US engagement on the global stage, the decline in trust towards the military, and the public's perception of allies and adversaries, particularly in relation to China and Iran. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding public opinion in shaping national security policy and the nuances that exist within it.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Policy Director Rachel Hoff is joined by Oleksandra Matviichuk who is the head of the Center for Civil Liberties. They discuss Oleksandra's decades-long commitment to defending human rights in Ukraine, the Maidan uprising, the ongoing war with Russia, the documentation of war crimes, and the importance of international support for Ukraine. Matviichuk emphasizes the need for justice and accountability for war crimes and the role of ordinary citizens in supporting democracy and human rights.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by Avik Roy who is the President of the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity. They discuss the principles of Freedom Conservatism, its roots in Reaganism, and the current divide within the conservative movement. They explore the relevance of Reagan's legacy today, the contrasting views of economic freedom, and the optimism versus pessimism that characterizes different factions of conservatism. Roy emphasizes the need for a revival of classical liberalism and critiques the national conservative movement's approach to government intervention and economic policy.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by the Honorable John Sullivan who previously served as the 10th U.S. Ambassador to Russia. They discuss his experiences as the U.S. Ambassador to Russia and the insights he gained during his tenure, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He emphasizes the nature of the Russian threat, the historical context of Putin's nationalism, and the implications for U.S. foreign policy. Sullivan argues that Russia is an enemy, not merely an adversary, and stresses the importance of understanding this distinction in crafting effective strategies.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by Elliott Abrams who served as the 24th U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor. In this conversation, Elliott Abrams discusses his book ‘If You Will It' and the current state of American Jewry, particularly in light of the events of October 7th. They discuss themes of Jewish identity, the impact of anti-Semitism, the importance of Jewish education, and the role of Israel in shaping the future of American Jews.  They also discuss the evolving political landscape in the U.S. and the Middle East, particularly in light of President Trump's anticipated return to office. They explore the implications for U.S.-Israel relations, the shifting dynamics in Syria and Iran, and the potential for military action against Iran's nuclear program.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by Henry Olsen who is a Senior Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. They discuss the recent election outcomes, the transformation of the Republican Party, and the implications for Trump's upcoming administration. They explore the demographic shifts in voter support, the challenges Trump may face in his second term, and the policy priorities that will shape his administration.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by Shyam Sankar who serves as the Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of Palantir Technologies. They discuss his recent publication, ‘The Defense Reformation,' which critiques the current state of the U.S. defense system and proposes a reformation to enhance innovation and effectiveness.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by Danielle Pletka who is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute focusing on U.S. foreign policy and the Middle East. They discuss the source of foreign funding for the recent campus protest movements, UNWRA and its connections to terrorist orgs,  and Israel in the UN and antisemitism.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by Rep. Blake Moore who represents Utah's 1st congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. They discuss Rep. Moore's views on the upcoming Presidential election, congressional priorities and budget challenges, entitlement reform, national security and economic policies, the war in Ukraine and global security, and much more.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by Rep. Mike Waltz who represents Florida's 6th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. They discuss Rep. Waltz's new book entitled, Hard Truths: Think and Lead Like a Green Beret. They discuss Rep. Waltz's time as a Green Beret, bipartisanship in congress, the importance of national service, the Afghanistan withdrawal, the war in Ukraine, and more.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by Dr. Leon Aron who is a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and is an issue-area expert on Russia and US-Russia relations. They discuss the Russian invasion and war in Ukraine, Russia's aggression against the Ukrainian people, and broader implications on European Security. They also cover the emerging threat of a new geopolitical axis between Russia and China.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by Dr. Tevi Troy who served as the former United States Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services and is now a Senior Fellow at the Bipartisan Policy Center. They discuss Dr. Troy's new book entitled, The Power and the Money: The Epic Clashes Between Commanders in Chief and Titans of Industry, which highlights the relationship between the most powerful leaders in American industry, from Howard Hughes to Elon Musk, and the President of the United States.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Policy Director Rachel Hoff is joined by Katerina Sergatskova who is the Co-founder of the 2402 Foundation. They discuss Katerina's childhood growing up on the Crimean Peninsula, her experience as a journalist covering conflicts in Crimea and the Donbas Region, and her work as a part of the 2402 Foundation in training and equipping journalists to cover the illegal Russian War in Ukraine.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by national security and Middle East expert Dr. Michael Doran who serves as the Director of the Center for Peace and Security in the Middle East at Hudson Institute. They discuss the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the hostage crisis which resulted in the death of an American citizens, and Iran's role as a funder and organizer of terrorism and discord throughout the Middle East.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by foreign policy and national security expert General Jack Keane who formerly served as the Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army. They discuss the National Defense Strategy commission and its latest report, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the increasingly dangerous and complex situation in the Middle East.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by Fox News Contributor, and Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute Marc Thiessen. They discuss the historic 2024 presidential campaign, what to expect from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, and how the race will shape up between Trump and Harris.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Raj Shah who is a Managing Partner at Shield Capital. They discuss defense innovation, autonomy in warfare, DOD acquisitions and bureaucracy reform.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Matthew Continetti who serves as the Director of Domestic Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). They discuss the historic 2024 presidential campaign and how the election might unfold in November.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with ret. Marine Corps Major General Arnold Punaro who serves as the Chairman of the Secretary of Defense's Reserve Forces Policy Board. They discuss the breakdown of the military confirmation process in Congress and what to expect from future presidential administrations.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Joe Lonsdale who is a Managing Partner at 8VC and also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. They discuss the fallout from the first presidential debate of 2024, the future of conservatism and the Republican Party, and his optimistic view of America's future.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Henry Olsen who serves as a Senior Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC). They discuss the fallout from the first presidential debate of 2024 between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with David B. McGarry who serves as a Policy Analyst at the Taxpayers Protection Alliance. They discuss conservative statism and the effects of Trump's America first economic policy, the corrosive effects of conservative statism on the American tradition, and how traditional conservatives can reclaim leadership on economic issues and economic theory.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Ambassador Robert Blackwill and Richard Fontaine. They are the co-authors of the new book, “Lost Decade: The US Pivot to Asia and the Rise of Chinese Power.” Roger, Robert, and Richard discuss the themes of the book, including if it is correct to characterize the pivot as a failure, the future of America in Asia, the military balance in the Indo-Pacific, and more.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat who is the former U.S. Ambassador to the European Union and currently serves as the Special Advisor for Holocaust Issues, and is Senior Counsel at Covington & Burling LLP. They discuss modern diplomacy in America ranging from Vietnam to the JCPOA, Henry Kissinger's diplomatic legacy, and his new book entitled, The Art of Diplomacy.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Policy Director Rachel Hoff sits down with Nilofar Ayoubi who is an Afghan activist, journalist, and entrepreneur who escaped Afghanistan shortly after the Taliban takeover in August 2021. They discuss the situation for women in Afghanistan today, Nilofar's individual story, and the prospects for the future of Afghanistan.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with the 28th Governor of the State of Oklahoma J. Kevin Stitt. They discuss Gov. Stitt's administrative priorities in Oklahoma, his leadership position as Policy Chair within the Republican Governor's Association, the pressing national security issues like Ukraine and Israel, and what lessons Republicans can learn from President Reagan's leadership.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Matthew Steckman who is the Chief Revenue Officer at Anduril Industries. They discuss Anduril's new projects and initiatives like their new autonomous naval system in partnership with HD Hyundai. They also discussed the war in the Middle East, Iran, and Ukraine.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Yaakov Katz who is the former Editor-in-Chief of The Jerusalem Post and now serves as a Senior Fellow at The Jewish People Policy Institute . They discuss the Iranian attack on Israel this weekend and where Israel and its response goes from here.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Doug Cameron a reporter who covers the global aerospace and defense industry as well as the airline sector in The Wall Street Journal's Chicago bureau. They discuss Collaborative Combat Aircraft, the National Defense Industrial Strategy, emerging technologies, and the future of warfare.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Dr. Matthew Kroenig who serves as the Vice President and Senior Director of the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security at the Atlantic Council and with Dan Negrea who serves as the Senior Director of the Freedom and Prosperity Center at the Atlantic Council. They discuss Dr. Kroenig and Mr. Nagrea's new book entitled, “We Win, They Lose: Republican Foreign Policy and the New Cold War.” This book provides a blueprint for Republican policy makers to engage with and win the great power competition with Communist China.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Gavin Wilde who serves as a Senior Fellow in the Technology and International Affairs Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. They discuss Russian interference in U.S. elections, continued Russian cyber espionage and attacks on American institutions of democracy, and the outlook on the 2024 election and its security.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with former Member of Congress, the Honorable David Dreier who now serves as the Chairman of the Fallen Journalists Memorial Foundation. They discuss former Rep. Dreier's work in founding and leading the new Fallen Journalists Memorial Foundation which seeks to construct a permanent memorial on the National Mall to honor fallen journalists. They also look back on Rep. Dreier's time serving in Congress, in particular, during the Reagan Administration, and what it was like working directly with President Reagan.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Dr. Edward Keefer who is a Historian in the Historical Office of the U.S. Secretary of Defense. They discuss Dr. Keefer's newest volume, in a 10-part series documenting America's Secretaries of Defense, which focuses on Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger who played a pivotal role in the military buildup during the Reagan Administration.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Robert Greenway who serves as the Director of the Allison Center for National Security at the Heritage Foundation. They discuss the Heritage Foundation's 2024 Index of U.S. Military Strength and the findings' implications on U.S. foreign policy, defense spending and military readiness.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Congressman Carlos A. Giménez who represents Florida's 28th district in the U.S. House of Representatives. They discuss his origins as a firefighter in South Florida, his pathway to public service in Congress and how the U.S. House is approaching the most pressing national security and foreign affairs challenges facing American today.