On this episode of Reaganism, Roger sits down with Jeh Johnson, former Secretary of Homeland Security in the Obama administration to discuss his reaction to the election of Zohran Mamdani in New York City. They explore some early litmus tests for the Mamdani administration including the status of NYC Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. They explore past examples of principled leadership and lessons Mamdani can draw from past political figures like Bob Gates. The conversation ends with a discussion of the Trump administration's negotiations with Columbia and role of higher education institutions in fostering a balanced discourse, highlighting Johnson's insights on navigating political and social dynamics.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger sits down with Marc Thiessen to delve into the current ideological battles within the conservative movement, focusing on the influence of figures like Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes. They explore the tension between traditional conservative values and the rise of alt-right ideologies, emphasizing the need to reject extremist elements to preserve the integrity of the movement. The conversation also touches on the role of nationalism, the importance of supporting Israel, and the challenges of maintaining unity while confronting internal and external threats. Marc advocates for a form of American nationalism rooted in the country's founding principles, contrasting it with European-style nationalism based on ethnicity.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger Zakheim, host of the Reaganism podcast, sits down with Dr. Will Inboden, Executive Vice President and Provost of the University of Texas at Austin, to discuss his latest article in National Affairs, "Restoring the Academic Social Contract." They discuss the concept of the "social contract" between American universities and the public. The dialogue explores the historical roots and current challenges facing higher education, including issues of trust, academic freedom, and the influence of foreign entities like China. Will shares personal anecdotes and insights into the politicization of academia, emphasizing the need for universities to uphold their foundational ideals to restore public confidence.

On this episode of Reaganism, Rachel Hoff sits down with Grace Jin Drexel to discuss the pressing issue of religious freedom, particularly focusing on the persecution faced by Christians in China. Grace shares her personal journey and her father's story, Pastor Ezra Jin, who has been imprisoned by the Chinese Communist Party for his religious activities. The discussion delves into the challenges of practicing Christianity in China, the evolution of Zion Church, and the broader implications of religious persecution. Grace emphasizes the importance of global awareness and advocacy for religious freedom, urging the international community to support those facing persecution. Rachel and Grace conclude by reflecting on the universal right to believe freely and the ongoing struggle for religious freedom worldwide.

On this episode of Reaganism, host Roger Zakheim sits down with Wall Street Journal Editorial Board Member Jillian Kay Melchior to discuss her latest trip to Ukraine and update from the frontlines in Donetsk. Roger and Jillian discuss the race between elite Ukrainian and Russian drone units as they both look for the upper hand in Ukraine's heavily defended fortress belt. They discuss how despite over a decade at war, Ukraine's civil society and democratic fabric is flourishing and is increasingly integrated into Western economic, political, and security architecture. They conclude the conversation with a discussion of US arms transfers and sanctions pressure, and the importance of creating various vectors of pressure points on Russia.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger Zakheim and General Laura Richardson discuss the strategic importance of the US Southern Command, highlighting the region's vast natural resources and geopolitical significance. General Richardson emphasizes the need for consistent US military presence to counteract influences from China and other adversaries, particularly through initiatives like the Belt and Road. They also address the challenges posed by the Maduro regime in Venezuela, the impact of narcotics trafficking, and the importance of fostering democratic partnerships in the Western Hemisphere. The discussion concludes with reflections on political developments in Argentina and their implications for regional stability and alignment with democratic values.

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On this episode of Reaganism, Roger Zakheim sits down with Congressman Adam Smith, the senior Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, about his recent trip to China. The discussion centered on the importance of dialogue between the US and China, despite the complex geopolitical tensions and differing perceptions each country holds about the other. Congressman Smith emphasized the need for open communication to address issues such as Taiwan, China's military buildup, and US-China economic relations, advocating for a coexistence strategy rather than a confrontational approach. He shared insights from his meetings with Chinese officials, noting a shift towards more civil discourse and a recognition of mutual interests, while also highlighting the challenges posed by China's historical grievances and global ambitions.

On this episode of Reaganism, host Roger Zakheim sits down with Tim Bouverie, author of the new book "Allies at War: How the Struggles Between the Allied Powers Shaped the War and the World." Tim and Roger delve into the complexities of alliances during World War II, focusing on the intricate dynamics between the Allied powers. Tim discusses how the collaboration among nations like the United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union was crucial in defeating the Axis powers, despite internal rivalries and suspicions. They explore the historical context of these alliances, the strategic decisions made, and the lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of unity in facing global threats. They conclude their conversation with a contemporary appraisal of Roosevelt and Churchill, rejecting far-right reinterpretations of World War II and Roosevelt and Churchill's legacies.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger Zakheim sits down with Elliott Abrams, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations to discuss the UK, France, Canada, and Australia's recognition of Palestinian statehood. Elliott discusses the complexities surrounding Palestinian statehood, the role of the Palestinian Authority, and the implications of Western recognition of a Palestinian state. He argues that Palestinian nationalism is fundamentally opposed to the existence of a Jewish state and that the leadership of the Palestinian Authority has failed to build a viable state. The discussion also touches on the dynamics of Israeli politics, the potential for annexation, and the changing attitudes towards Israel in the United States.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger Zakheim and Jonathan Burks explored how to secure a durable, bipartisan fix to America’s fiscal challenges—especially Social Security—without defaulting to lowest-common-denominator politics. Burks argued that trillion-dollar (and rising) deficits, debt service now rivaling or exceeding major programs, and higher interest rates make action unavoidable; any real solution will require both spending restraint and new revenue. They discussed President Trump's tariffs, with Burks noting tariff receipts are too small and economically inefficient to close the gap and that policy/legal uncertainty is chilling investment and manufacturing jobs. Drawing on his Hill experience, Burks explained why continuing resolutions and executive workarounds (e.g., rescissions, reconciliation) are poor substitutes for bipartisan appropriations that give industry long-term certainty—vital for defense and other priorities. They concluded with a discussion on the future of Social Security. Burks argued that there is bipartisan consensus on the path to make the program solvent: gradually raise the retirement age, modestly adjust payroll taxes (with protections for physically demanding careers), and act soon—pointing to strong public support for fixing the program if leaders level with voters.