On this episode of Reaganism, Ronald Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Amb. Eric Edelman to discuss the lasting legacy of Ronald Reagan’s “peace through strength” strategy. They examine the weakened U.S. military and growing Soviet assertiveness that preceded Reagan’s presidency, the defense buildup led by Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger, and Reagan’s belief that American strength enabled diplomacy, freedom, and eventual Cold War victory. Edelman also explains why Reagan’s first- and second-term approaches were more continuous than often portrayed, highlighting the importance of perseverance, strategic flexibility, and sustained investment in national defense.

"Peace Through Strength: How Reagan's Military Buildup Won the Cold War" by Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim releases on November 17th and is available for pre-order now: https://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/9781510788480/peace-through-strength/

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger sits down with Dominic Pino, an editorial writer at the Washington Post to discuss the Post Opinion Section's new article titled "The US cannot afford a major war. What if one comes anyway?" Roger and Dominic discuss why the United States may struggle to afford a major war in the 2030s as Social Security, healthcare spending, and interest payments consume an increasing share of the federal budget. They explain that defense spending is a smaller portion of federal spending than it was historically, even as the military faces costly modernization needs, global commitments, and the replacement of aging nuclear and conventional systems. The discussion also examines whether new technology can reduce defense costs, why higher interest rates could intensify fiscal pressures, and how reforms to entitlement programs—including means-tested benefits and private savings—could help create room for national security priorities.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger sits down with Chairman and CEO of Booz Allen, Horacio Rozanski, to discuss the firm's new report called "What's in America's Code?" The report explores the risks of Chinese AI models in software development, especially their tendency to introduce more vulnerabilities and political bias into code than American models. The conversation focused on how AI is now embedded in the software supply chain, why cost is driving adoption of Chinese models, and why policymakers and private industry need to act quickly to improve trust, security, and supply-chain transparency before these risks become harder to detect.

In this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Karl Rove, Former Deputy Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush, to discuss the rise of Democratic Socialism and its potential impact on the 2026 midterm elections. They examine key races, how Republicans can make a stronger case for individual freedom and limited government, and the ongoing debate over how conservative principles should be applied to today’s challenges.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sat down with Chairman of the House Budget Committee Jodey Arrington to reconciliation 3.0, the measure which passed the House of Representatives in July including additional funding for defense, election security, and other Republican priorities. They explore the political shift within the Democratic Party, the influence of the socialist left flank on voting behavior, and the prospects for getting the reconciliation measure through the Senate. Chairman Arrington argued that reconciliation is necessary in today’s polarized environment, and warned about both national security threats and runaway debt. He closed by tying his priorities back to Ronald Reagan’s emphasis on freedom, limited government, and peace through strength.

On this episode of Reaganism, Ronald Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Dr. Michael Strain of the American Enterprise Institute to discuss the growing U.S. federal debt and deficit, focusing on why America’s debt-to-GDP ratio and rising interest costs are becoming increasingly unsustainable even though the country can still borrow at relatively favorable rates. They compare the U.S. with China, the U.K., and Europe to explain why Treasury demand remains strong, and they explore what could finally force fiscal reform — including a bond market shock, rising interest rates, or automatic pressure from Social Security and Medicare trust fund shortfalls. The conversation also examines the political barriers to entitlement reform, the bipartisan reluctance to cut spending or raise broad-based taxes, and whether inflation, housing affordability, or a future economic scare could create the conditions for real action.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim sits down with Daniel Samet to discuss the latest on the U.S.-Israel relationship. Samet argues that the historical record shows U.S. officials have consistently acted from American interests, citing Israel’s intelligence, military, and technological value in counterterrorism and against Iran, while Roger emphasized that military aid and industrial cooperation benefit the U.S. directly and should be understood as a strategic investment. They also explore the rise of anti-Israel sentiment on the far left and far right, the political significance of recent House and Senate votes on aid to Israel, and the role of President Trump and Vice President Vance in shaping public debate. The conversation ends with a broader reflection on the durability of the U.S.-Israel relationship.

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.