Reaganism

On this episode of Reaganism, Ronald Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Michael Auslin, to discuss "National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America," in celebration of America's 250th anniversary. Michael shares his journey from studying U.S.-Asia relations to exploring the Declaration's significance, inspired by his experiences in Japan and the concept of national treasures. They delve into the Declaration's material history, its evolution as a symbol of American ideals, and its cultural impact. Michael emphasizes the Declaration's role as a unifying document, highlighting its influence on American exceptionalism and its enduring relevance in shaping national identity.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakeheim sits down with Mark Montgomery to discuss the geopolitical tensions surrounding Operation Epic Fury and the U.S. blockade outside the Strait of Hormuz. They explore the implications of economic warfare between the U.S. and Iran, highlighting the strategic and economic disparities between the two nations. Mark provides insights into the military and economic strategies at play, emphasizing the importance of resilience and the potential for future military actions. The dialogue also touches on broader geopolitical dynamics, including U.S. relations with allies and adversaries, and the strategic importance of maintaining strong alliances. The conversation concludes with reflections on historical military strategies and their relevance to current global challenges.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger sits down with Wess Mitchell to discuss Wess' new book "Great Power Diplomacy," which explores the role of diplomacy in strategic statecraft throughout history. Mitchell explains the "simultaneity problem," where the U.S. faces multiple adversaries but lacks the military capacity to address them all simultaneously was the initial inspiration for the book. He argues that diplomacy, rather than military might, has historically been used by great powers to manage time and build coalitions. The discussion covers historical examples, including the Peloponnesian War and British diplomacy before World War II, highlighting the importance of allies and the pitfalls of appeasement. They also examine the strategic diplomacy of Nixon, Kissinger, and Reagan, emphasizing the balance between military strength and diplomatic engagement. The conversation concludes with reflections on the limitations and potential of diplomacy in achieving national objectives.

On this episode of Reaganism, guest host, Reagan Institute Policy Director Rachel Hoff sits down with Jamie Fly, CEO of Freedom House, to discuss Freedom House's annual "Freedom in the World" report. The report found that the world is experiencing its 20th consecutive year of democratic backsliding. Jamie and Rachel discuss the trends contributing to this backslide and also identify some glimmers of hope and countries moving against the trendlines. Rachel and Jamie conclude the conversation by discussing a strategy for reimagining US efforts to turn the tide back toward advancing freedom and liberty in the world.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger sits down with Michael O'Hanlon, to discuss O'Hanlon's new book, "To Dare Mighty Things: U.S. Defense Strategies Since the Revolution." The conversation delves into the evolution of U.S. defense strategies and the importance of learning from past military engagements to inform current and future strategies. O'Hanlon emphasizes the need for a robust defense strategy that balances deterrence and innovation, particularly in the face of modern challenges posed by global powers like China and Russia. The discussion also touches on the significance of historical military figures and strategies, the role of Congress in defense policy, and the ongoing need for strategic military planning in a democratic republic.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger sits down with Senator Dave McCormick, US Senator from Pennsylvania who sits on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and chairs the Middle East subcommittee. Roger and Senator McCormick explore the latest battlefield dynamics during Operation Epic Fury and conclude that the US is well on the way to achieving its military objectives and realizing a favorable political outcome. The conversation also explores Pennsylvania's role at the epicenter of the future of US defense technology and innovation and is a key contributor to US energy dominance.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger Zakheim sits down with Walter Russell Mead, to discuss the geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf, particularly the strategic implications of the Strait of Hormuz's closure and its potential impact on President Trump's legacy. Walter emphasizes the dynamic nature of the situation and the significant decisions facing the Trump administration. The conversation also explores the historical context of U.S. involvement in the Middle East, the ideological and pragmatic dimensions of the Iranian regime, and the complex interplay of international alliances and domestic political support. Additionally, the dialogue touches on the evolving role of Tech Hamiltonians within the MAGA coalition and the broader implications for American economic and political strategies.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger sits down with Peter Rough to discuss the geopolitical dynamics surrounding Operation Epic Fury. The conversation delves into the evolving stance of America's allies, particularly in Europe and the Gulf, as they navigate their support for U.S. military actions against Iran. Peter highlights the initial hesitance of European allies to support the operation, which has since shifted towards a more supportive stance due to Iran's aggressive regional actions. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of these developments for American power projection and the strategic calculations of European leaders like Keir Starmer, Pedro Sanchez, and Emmanuel Macron. The episode underscores the complex interplay between domestic politics and international alliances, emphasizing the importance of strategic autonomy and the challenges of maintaining a cohesive transatlantic partnership in the face of evolving global threats.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger Zakheim sits down with Matt Kroenig to discuss U.S. policy toward Iran, focusing on the balance between preemption and diplomacy. They explore the implications of recent actions like Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury, debating whether the goal should be regime change or a weakened regime. The conversation also covers Iran's regional strategies, including its use of proxies, and the broader geopolitical context involving Europe, Russia, and China. The episode concludes with reflections on the rhetoric of freedom and democracy, drawing parallels to Reagan's strategic vision.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger Zakheim welcomes Jon Hillman, a senior fellow for Geoeconomics at the Council on Foreign Relations, to discuss their latest Task Force Report on US Economic Security. The conversation delves into the strategic importance of emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology, highlighting their potential to generate up to $29 trillion in economic value by 2040. Hillman emphasizes the need for targeted government intervention to address market failures and ensure national security, while also exploring the role of US allies in strengthening supply chains. The conversation offers a comprehensive look at the intersection of technology, policy, and global competition and explores the challenges and opportunities facing the United States in the race for tomorrow's technologies.