Reaganism

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger sits down with Joseph Ledford of the Hoover Institution to discuss Operation Absolute Resolve, the US snatch-and-grab mission in Venezuela to apprehend dictator Nicolas Maduro. Joseph highlights the historical context of US involvement in Latin America, drawing parallels between past and present policies. They explore the strategic significance of the operation to capture Maduro, emphasizing its impact on regional stability and US national security interests. The dialogue also touches on the interconnectedness of Venezuela with other geopolitical players like Cuba and Iran, and the potential for democratic restoration in Venezuela. The conversation concludes with reflections on the enduring influence of Reagan's foreign policy principles and the optimistic outlook for US leadership in the region.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger sits down with Derek Chollet, Managing Director at the JPMorgan Chase Center for Geopolitics, to discuss JPMorgan's ambitious $1.5 trillion Security and Resiliency Initiative. The conversation highlights the initiative's focus on bolstering U.S. national security through investments in critical sectors like defense, energy, and advanced manufacturing. Derek emphasizes the importance of private sector involvement alongside government efforts to address geopolitical challenges, citing JPMorgan's commitment to enhancing U.S. resilience and economic growth. The dialogue underscores the bank's strategic role in facilitating investments and partnerships to drive innovation and strengthen the national defense industrial base.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger sits down live at the Reagan National Defense Forum with Substrate's founder and CEO, James Proud. Roger and James discuss Substrate's background, and it's promise to revolutionize the chip industry that is currently dominated by Taiwan and Dutch origin lithography machines. Roger and James discuss the history and state of the US chip industry and the chip race underway with China. They transition to the profound challenge Substrate is trying to tackle, and why no company has thus far singularly integrated the chip industry. The conversation concludes with a look at the future of the chip industry, and the cost prohibitive nature of producing increasingly advanced chips. 

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger sits down with Aaron MacLean, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and host of the "School of War" podcast. They delve into the complexities of the Trump National Security Strategy, exploring its implications and the competing ideological factions within the administration. They discuss how the strategy reflects a mix of influences, with Aaron noting that it serves as a tool for understanding the shifting dynamics of power and policy preferences. The dialogue touches on the broader themes of American foreign policy, the role of historical context, and the evolving nature of conservative ideology, with Roger and Aaron offering insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the U.S. on the global stage.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger sits down with Chairman John Moolenaar of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party to discuss the strategic competition between the United States and the CCP, focusing on the implications of China's actions on national security and economic interests. Chairman Moolenaar highlights the bipartisan efforts of the Committee to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of maintaining technological and economic advantages over China. They also explore the GAIN Act, which aims to prioritize American access to advanced AI chips, ensuring that the U.S. remains a leader in innovation while safeguarding national security. The discussion underscores the ideological differences between the U.S. and China, particularly in terms of individual freedoms and government control, and the need for policies that reflect American values.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger sits down with Rachel Hoff and Thomas Kenna to discuss the findings from the 2025 Reagan National Defense Survey. The discussion highlights the American public's views on national defense, foreign policy, and international alliances, with a particular focus on the increasing support for NATO and military aid to Ukraine. Rachel and Thomas provide insights into the survey's methodology and the significance of bipartisan support for American leadership on the global stage. They also explore the public's perception of threats from China and Russia, and the importance of US military strength in maintaining peace. The conversation concludes with reflections on the evolving geopolitical landscape and the enduring relevance of Reagan's principles in contemporary policy discussions.

On this episode of Reaganism, Dan Rothschild sits down with Peter Lipsett and delve into the complexities of the modern conservative movement, exploring the evolution and fragmentation of the right since the Reagan era. They discuss the emergence of new factions like the national conservatives and the challenges of maintaining a cohesive narrative amidst diverse ideologies. Peter reflects on his podcast series, "What is the Right?", which examines these shifts through interviews with various leaders. They also touch on the role of traditionalists, the influence of tech on conservatism, and the enduring legacy of Reagan's principles, pondering the future trajectory of American conservatism and the potential for a new fusionism that reconciles differing viewpoints within the movement.

On this episode of Reaganism, Dan Rothschild, director of the Civics, Education, and Opportunity at RRI sits down with Steve Davies, Head of Education at the Institute of Economic Affairs to discuss his upcoming book, "The Great Realignment: Why the New Right Is Here to Stay." Dan and Steve explore the evolving ideological alignment underway in the United States and across the globe. Steve argues that the split today is no longer governed by economic philosophy as it was from 1800s-2000s but is rooted in a new understanding of one's national identity.

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.