
Reaganism
Reaganism is dedicated to exploring where the Reagan Movement lives today, hosted by the Director of the Ronald Reagan Institute, Roger Zakheim. The show has two goals: understand the foundations of the political philosophy that powered the Reagan Revolution; and host discussions about contemporary issues through the lens of Reagan. The podcast looks at the continuing impact of #40’s principles and beliefs on our leaders as they address the complex problems of today and tomorrow.
Latest episodes

Feb 10, 2025 • 48min
The Moral Imperative of Economic Freedom with Dr. Samuel Gregg
On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director of the Center for Civics, Education, and Opportunity Daniel M. Rothschild is joined by Dr. Samuel Gregg who serves as the Friedrich Hayek Chair in Economics and Economic History at the American Institute for Economic Research. They discuss the current state of free markets in America, emphasizing the critical choices facing the nation in the upcoming election. They explore the intertwining of economic, moral, and cultural dimensions in shaping public policy and the role of civil society. Dr. Gregg highlights the importance of historical figures like Wilhelm Röpke in understanding the foundations of economic freedom and critiques the welfare state while advocating for a revival of civil society to address genuine needs. The discussion also touches on the responsibilities of businesses in society and the need for a long-term perspective in political and economic discourse.

Feb 3, 2025 • 41min
The Magnitsky Act: A New Era of Accountability with Sir. William Browder
On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Policy Director Rachel Hoff is joined by Sir William Browder who is the Head of the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign. They discuss his extraordinary journey from a capitalist in Russia to a leading figure in the fight against corruption and human rights abuses. Browder recounts the tragic story of his lawyer, Sergey Magnitsky, who was tortured and killed in a Russian prison after uncovering a massive fraud involving the Russian government. This led to the creation of the Magnitsky Act, a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at holding human rights violators accountable. Browder discusses the global impact of the Magnitsky Act and its potential to change the landscape of accountability for corruption and human rights abuses.

Jan 27, 2025 • 44min
Understanding the Reagan National Defense Survey with Rachel Hoff
On this episode of Reaganism, Roger Zakheim and Rachel Hoff discuss the findings of the Reagan National Defense Survey, highlighting the American public’s views on foreign policy, military spending, and trust in institutions. They explore the increasing desire for US engagement on the global stage, the decline in trust towards the military, and the public’s perception of allies and adversaries, particularly in relation to China and Iran. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding public opinion in shaping national security policy and the nuances that exist within it.

Jan 13, 2025 • 33min
Voices of Ukraine: Documenting War Crimes and Defending Democracy with Oleksandra Matviichuk
On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Policy Director Rachel Hoff is joined by Oleksandra Matviichuk who is the head of the Center for Civil Liberties. They discuss Oleksandra’s decades-long commitment to defending human rights in Ukraine, the Maidan uprising, the ongoing war with Russia, the documentation of war crimes, and the importance of international support for Ukraine. Matviichuk emphasizes the need for justice and accountability for war crimes and the role of ordinary citizens in supporting democracy and human rights.

Dec 30, 2024 • 49min
The Case for Freedom Conservatism with Avik Roy
On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by Avik Roy who is the President of the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity. They discuss the principles of Freedom Conservatism, its roots in Reaganism, and the current divide within the conservative movement. They explore the relevance of Reagan's legacy today, the contrasting views of economic freedom, and the optimism versus pessimism that characterizes different factions of conservatism. Roy emphasizes the need for a revival of classical liberalism and critiques the national conservative movement's approach to government intervention and economic policy.

Dec 23, 2024 • 43min
Putin’s Moscow with Hon. John Sullivan
On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by the Honorable John Sullivan who previously served as the 10th U.S. Ambassador to Russia. They discuss his experiences as the U.S. Ambassador to Russia and the insights he gained during his tenure, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He emphasizes the nature of the Russian threat, the historical context of Putin’s nationalism, and the implications for U.S. foreign policy. Sullivan argues that Russia is an enemy, not merely an adversary, and stresses the importance of understanding this distinction in crafting effective strategies.

Dec 16, 2024 • 47min
Middle East Chaos & U.S.-Israel Relations with Elliott Abrams
On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by Elliott Abrams who served as the 24th U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor. In this conversation, Elliott Abrams discusses his book ‘If You Will It’ and the current state of American Jewry, particularly in light of the events of October 7th. They discuss themes of Jewish identity, the impact of anti-Semitism, the importance of Jewish education, and the role of Israel in shaping the future of American Jews. They also discuss the evolving political landscape in the U.S. and the Middle East, particularly in light of President Trump’s anticipated return to office. They explore the implications for U.S.-Israel relations, the shifting dynamics in Syria and Iran, and the potential for military action against Iran’s nuclear program.

Nov 25, 2024 • 38min
Trump’s Triumph: A New Era for Republicans with Henry Olsen
On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by Henry Olsen who is a Senior Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. They discuss the recent election outcomes, the transformation of the Republican Party, and the implications for Trump’s upcoming administration. They explore the demographic shifts in voter support, the challenges Trump may face in his second term, and the policy priorities that will shape his administration.

Nov 18, 2024 • 43min
Defense Reformation with Shyam Sankar
On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by Shyam Sankar who serves as the Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of Palantir Technologies. They discuss his recent publication, ‘The Defense Reformation,’ which critiques the current state of the U.S. defense system and proposes a reformation to enhance innovation and effectiveness.

Nov 11, 2024 • 34min
College Campuses in Crisis with Danielle Pletka
On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim is joined by Danielle Pletka who is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute focusing on U.S. foreign policy and the Middle East. They discuss the source of foreign funding for the recent campus protest movements, UNWRA and its connections to terrorist orgs, and Israel in the UN and antisemitism.