In this episode, hosts Chris Vance, Lynn Schmidt, and Dr. Merrill Matthews are joined by two distinguished guests: Dr. Nicholas Rostow, Distinguished Research Professor at the National Defense University, former Special Assistant for National Security Affairs to Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, and ORL’s Vermont State Chair; and Greg Wilson, former Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Treasury Department under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush and Senior Advisor to ORL.

Together, they discuss the principles of peace through strength, America’s role in the world, the importance of NATO and our international alliances, and how military readiness and American credibility influence global security. They also reflect on the foreign policy legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham and examine the challenges facing U.S. leadership in an increasingly uncertain world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Peace Through Strength and the Podcast

01:26 Meet the Panel: Experts on National Security and Foreign Policy

04:02 The Origins of the Republican Party and Its Principles

05:47 The Link Between Foreign Policy and Economic Stability

07:11 U.S. Support for Ukraine and Global Security

08:00 Ukraine as a Test of the International Order

09:34 The Threat of Nuclear Proliferation and Russia’s Ambitions

11:54 U.S.-Ukraine Nuclear Agreements and Security Commitments

12:50 The Role of U.S. Foreign Policy in the Bigger Global Picture

13:21 The Impact of Trump’s Foreign Policy on International Alliances

14:16 Freedom of Navigation and the Law of the Sea

17:54 U.S. Defense Spending and Military Readiness

20:44 The Constitution and Presidential War Powers

22:02 Congressional Authority and War Declarations

24:50 The Importance of NATO and U.S. Commitment

29:23 The Legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham

37:50 Graham’s Bipartisan Efforts and Foreign Policy Legacy

43:41 The Post-Trump Republican Party and Future Challenges

44:42 Do Americans Care About Foreign Policy?

45:56 The Biggest Foreign Policy Challenges for the U.S.

47:40 Restoring U.S. Credibility and Alliances

48:18 The Role and Goals of U.S. Foreign Policy

49:05 The Threat of War and Global Instability

50:16 Peace Through Strength in Modern America

51:47 Deterrence and U.S. Global Leadership

Links

• Our Republican Legacy Website
• The Latest ORL Media Hits
• ORL’s Policy Statements
• Make a Contribution to Our Republican Legacy
• Dr. Nicholas Rostow's Book: Proportional to the Mischief
• Merrill Matthews’ Latest Articles
• Lynn Schmidt's Latest Articles