Reaganism

Protectionism vs. Prosperity: Senator Phil Gramm Defends Free Markets

In this episode of Reaganism, host Roger Zakheim sits down with former U.S. Senator Phil Gramm who served the State of Texas in the United States Senate and is the author of the newly released book, “The Triumph of Economic Freedom: Debunking the Seven Great Myths of American Capitalism.” They discuss Sen. Gramm’s new book arguing that many policy debates stem from misreadings of history and flawed statistics. He challenges the notion that free trade hollowed out American manufacturing, pointing instead to record-high output driven by productivity and innovation, much like agriculture’s transformation. Sen. Gramm defends Ronald Reagan as a principled free-trader who saw commerce as an extension of individual freedom, contrasting Reagan’s approach with today’s rising protectionism and “state capitalism.” He critiques how government statistics misclassify income, poverty, and manufacturing, distorting public perception, and insists that prosperity comes from smaller government and greater freedom.

America's Strategic Imperative: Deterring China

In this episode of Reaganism, host Roger Zakheim sits down with Dmitri Alperovitch who is the Co-Founder and Chairman of Silverado Policy Accelerator, national bestselling author of “World on the Brink: How America Can Beat China in the Race for the 21st Century,” founder of the Alperovitch Institute for Cybersecurity Studies at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies and Co-Founder and former CTO of CrowdStrike Inc., one of the world's largest cybersecurity firms. They discuss Alperovitch’s book 'World on the Brink' and the current geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the new Cold War with China. Alperovitch argues that the U.S. must prioritize its resources and strategies to deter China, particularly regarding Taiwan. The discussion also touches on the importance of American leadership, the implications of various global conflicts, and the need for a robust defense strategy to maintain U.S. dominance in the face of rising threats.

Inside the Business Roundtable: Where Business Meets Policy

In this episode of Reaganism, host Roger Zakheim sits down with former Ambassador of the United States to the European Union, and now President & COO at Business Roundtable, Kristen Silverberg. They discuss the intersection of business and government. The conversation delves into the role of the Business Roundtable, the impact of executive orders, and the importance of CEO engagement with policymakers. Amb. Silverberg shares her insights on the current administration's approach to business, the significance of trade policies, and the challenges and opportunities in the AI and tech sectors.

Insights from Google: AI's Role in Shaping Tomorrow's Global Economy

In this episode of Reaganism, host Roger Zakheim sits down with Karan Bhatia, who previously served as Deputy U.S. Trade Representative in the Bush Administration, and now serves as the Global Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy for Google. They discuss the current landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, focusing on the United States' leadership role and the regulatory challenges faced in Europe. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between free societies, the competitive dynamics with China, and Google's engagement in Taiwan. Bhatia also highlights the energy demands of technology and Google's contributions to national security, while reflecting on the impact of recent legislation on the tech industry and drawing parallels to Ronald Reagan's vision for innovation.

Don't Write Off Europe: Freedom, Security, and Geopolitics

In this episode of Reaganism, host Roger Zakheim sits down with Professor Brendan Simms, a Professor of the History of International Relations at the University of Cambridge. They discuss Professor Simm's essay in the Wall Street Journal titled "Don't Write Off Europe Just Yet," which addresses skepticism in the U.S., particularly within the Trump administration, about Europe's role and capabilities. Simms argues that Europe has the capacity to defend itself against Russia, emphasizing the importance of U.S. support for European security. The conversation touches on historical parallels, the current geopolitical landscape, and the interconnectedness of global security, particularly concerning Russia and China.

Reagan, Realism, and the Roots of Strategic Cooperation with Israel

In this episode of Reaganism, host Roger Zakheim sits down with Dr. Daniel Samet who is the George P. Shultz Fellow at the Ronald Reagan Institute, and the author of the new book, U.S. Defense Policy toward Israel: A Cold War History. The conversation explores the core thesis of Dr. Samet’s book, which directly challenges the claims made in John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt’s The Israel Lobby. Rather than attributing U.S. Middle East policy to undue influence by a pro-Israel lobby, Dr. Samet argues that American defense policy toward Israel has been driven primarily by national interest and strategic considerations—particularly during the Cold War.
Drawing from extensive archival research, Dr. Samet finds that lobbying efforts appear rarely in the historical record. Instead, U.S. presidents from Truman through Reagan made decisions based on national security, geopolitical strategy, and the containment of the Soviet Union.

The Innovation Deficit: Why Great Ideas Get Stuck

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute’s Director of the Center for Civics, Education, and Opportunity Dan Rothschild sits down with Dr. Ben Reinhardt who is the CEO of Speculative Technologies. They discuss discuss the mission and vision behind Speculative Technologies, emphasizing the importance of physical technologies and the need for innovative research funding models. Dr. Reinhardt critiques traditional government-funded research approaches and highlights the barriers to innovation in America, including bureaucratic constraints and the influence of venture capital. Reinhart advocates for a new system that allows for more flexibility and creativity in technology development, while also addressing the role of universities and the importance of co-location for fostering innovation.

General Jack Keane on Iran's Nuclear Threat

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with retired General Jack Keane, who serves as the Chairman of the Institute for the Study of War. They discuss the ongoing military actions by Israel against Iran's nuclear weapons program, the implications for U.S. involvement, and the strategic landscape in the Middle East. He assesses the current state of the Iranian nuclear program, evaluates Israel's military options, and outlines the potential risks and benefits of U.S. engagement in the conflict. The discussion highlights the historical context of U.S.-Iran relations and the importance of supporting allies in the region.

Government's Role in Pharmaceutical Innovation

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Dr. Tevi Troy, a senior fellow at the Reagan Institute and former deputy secretary of Health and Human Services. They discuss Dr. Troy's article 'In Praise of Big Pharma,' exploring the critical role of the pharmaceutical industry in healthcare innovation and the challenges it faces from government regulation and public perception. The conversation also touches on the importance of vaccines, the impact of government policies on healthcare costs, and the future of American innovation in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in the context of competition with China.

Trump, Trade, and China with Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick

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.