Reaganism

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Arthur Herman to discuss his new book "Founder's Fire" and explore its thesis that America’s founding fathers and modern business leaders share the same core traits: vision, action, risk-taking, and resilience in the face of failure. Herman argues that the Constitution intentionally created space for this “founder” spirit through executive power, patent protection, and the pursuit of happiness, allowing individuals to pursue innovation and prosperity. The conversation contrasts this American model with socialism and authoritarian systems like China, which Herman says suppress individual initiative and intellectual property. Overall, the discussion frames American exceptionalism as rooted in a culture that rewards creative freedom, entrepreneurship, and the belief that risk can produce transformational progress.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Andy Puzder to discuss the Trump administration’s evolving approach to the U.S.-European relationship, highlighting the successful negotiation and ratification of a landmark U.S.-EU trade agreement that lowers barriers to trade while strengthening transatlantic economic ties. Puzder argued that the deal reflects Europe’s recognition of the importance of its partnership with the United States and described President Trump’s leadership as instrumental in bringing the agreement to fruition despite political headwinds. The conversation also explored Europe’s economic challenges—including stagnant growth, overregulation, dependence on Russian energy, and growing competition from China—and examined how closer cooperation with the United States on artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and advanced technology can help restore European competitiveness. Puzder concluded that while Europe continues to grapple with issues such as immigration, free speech, and regulatory reform, there are growing opportunities for pragmatic collaboration that can strengthen both the transatlantic alliance and the West’s strategic position against China.

On this episode of Reaganism, Ronald Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Rep. French Hill, to discuss the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and why it is a supply-side solution to America’s housing crisis. Rep. Hill explains that the bill aims to reduce regulatory barriers, encourage modular and manufactured housing, and improve access to capital for homebuilders by easing bank lending constraints, all while contrasting that approach with rent control and other demand-side policies that he argues worsen affordability. The conversation also ties the legislation to Reagan-era ideas on deregulation, federalism, and private property rights, framing homeownership as a central part of the American dream.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger sits down with David Ulevitch of Andreessen Horowitz to discuss the firm's American Dynamism practice and its focus on investing in technologies that strengthen U.S. national security and industrial capacity. Their conversation explored how venture capital can help rebuild the defense industrial base through startups in autonomy, drones, missiles, energy, space, and manufacturing, while also emphasizing the importance of engagement in Washington, procurement reform, and public storytelling to accelerate adoption. David argued that production capability is itself a form of deterrence, and both guests highlighted how recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have underscored the need for faster, cheaper, more scalable defense innovation.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger Zakheim sits down with Rich Goldberg to discuss the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding and its immediate implications for sanctions relief, oil exports, and financial access for Iran. Roger and Rich unpacked how the deal differs from the JCPOA, emphasizing that while the agreement creates a short-term window for Iran to sell oil and access frozen assets, it does not restore the broader, long-term sanctions relief of the Obama-era deal. Rich argued that the practical effect is a significant but temporary windfall for Tehran, with potential benefits to Iran’s economy and its ability to sustain groups like Hezbollah, while also creating legal and compliance risks for buyers and banks given the continued designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization. The discussion ended with a broader reflection on Trump’s “dollar diplomacy” approach and how economic leverage is being used to shape foreign policy in the Middle East.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Fred Ryan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Director of the Center for Civility and Democracy at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute to discuss the Center's newly released "Civility Handbook." The conversation highlights the challenges of civility in the United States, emphasizing the need for respectful discourse across political divides. Fred shares insights on how the Civility Handbook aims to foster unity by providing practical tools for civil engagement in various settings, including social media. The discussion also touches on historical examples of bipartisan cooperation, reflecting on President Reagan's legacy of finding common ground. The Civility Handbook is available for free to encourage widespread adoption of these principles.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Matthew Waxman of Columbia University Law School to discuss the complexities of war powers in the United States, focusing on the president's authority to use military force and the implications of the War Powers Resolution. The dialogue explores historical and contemporary issues, including the constitutional powers of Congress and the president, the impact of military operations in Iran, and the political dynamics influencing these decisions. Matthew emphasizes the importance of political checks over strictly binding legal rules, while Roger highlights the strategic value of congressional authorizations for military force. 

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger Zakheim sits down with Yonatan Green, author of the new book "Rogue Justice: The Rise of Judicial Supremacy in Israel." They explore the controversial role of the Israeli Supreme Court, which Green argues has overstepped its bounds by exercising judicial review without a formal constitution. Green explains how the court's actions have led to significant political and social implications in Israel, including debates over democracy and judicial reform. The conversation highlights the irony of Israel's vibrant democracy being challenged by its own judicial system, and Green advocates for a constitutional assembly to address these issues.

On this episode of Reaganism, Ronald Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Dr. Erica Brown to discuss her recent article "What Holds America Together?" The dialogue delves into the ideas of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, focusing on the concept of covenantal politics and its relevance to America's 250th anniversary. Erica shares insights on Rabbi Sacks' views on the distinction between social contracts and covenants, emphasizing the importance of shared values and community in political life. The discussion also touches on the challenges of multiculturalism, the role of religion in society, and the impact of consumerism and politics on communal bonds. Erica highlights the need for a renewed commitment to the foundational principles that unite and strengthen the nation.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger Zakheim sits down with Peter Ludwig, Chief Technology Officer and cofounder of Applied Intuition, a physical AI company. They explore the intersection of technology and national security, focusing on the role of physical AI. Peter shares insights into his journey from Google to developing AI technologies that enhance both commercial and defense sectors. They discuss the transformative potential of autonomous vehicles and drones, emphasizing the importance of integrating advanced AI into national security strategies. The dialogue also touches on global competition, particularly with China, highlighting the need for the U.S. to bolster its industrial and technological capabilities to remain competitive.