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.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger sits down with Henry Olsen, senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center to discuss President Trump's proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget, highlighting its potential impact on US military capabilities and global commitments. Roger and Henry explore the historical significance of such an increase, the strategic necessity of aligning military resources with America's defense obligations, and the political and economic challenges of implementing this budget. The dialogue delves into the implications for national security strategy, the role of allies, and the fiscal realities of funding such a substantial increase in defense spending.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger Zakheim sits down with Arthur Herman to discuss his latest oped in the Wall Street Journal titled "America is the Sole Superpower Again." Herman argues that despite the presence of China, India, and other great powers, the United States is the sole superpower because it alone is capable of dictating the tempo and direction of world events, as recently evidenced by US strikes against Iran, Venezuela, among others. Herman argues that the latent tools of US power have existed for years and were just waiting for the right leader to bring them together and combine them on the world stage. They end the conversation with Herman's reflections on the trend lines of past unipolar moments after World War II and the Cold War and their fleeting nature, along with Herman's observations on President Trump's handling of Greenland.

On this episode of Reaganism, Rachel Hoff sits down with Masih Alinejad, an Iranian journalist and human rights activist. The discussion delves into the ongoing protests in Iran, sparked by economic distress and the brutal enforcement of compulsory hijab laws, which have evolved into a broader revolution against the Islamic Republic. Masih shares her personal experiences and insights into the regime's oppressive tactics, the international community's response, and the critical role of women's rights in the fight for freedom. Her testimony underscores the urgency for global solidarity to support the Iranian people's quest for a secular democracy.

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.