On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Director of Scholarly Initiatives Dr. Anthony Eames sits down with Dr. Brian Domitrovic who serves as the Richard S. Strong Scholar at The Lafer Center. The conversation delves into the economic policies of Ronald Reagan, exploring the foundational principles of Reaganomics, including tax cuts, free trade, and monetary policy. The discussion highlights key events such as Proposition 13, the challenges faced during the 1982 recession, and the role of the dollar in shaping economic outcomes. The speakers also debate the contributions of Paul Volcker and Reagan in addressing inflation and economic recovery. This conversation delves into the economic policies of Ronald Reagan, focusing on the pivotal years of 1982 and 1986. The discussion highlights the significant tax cuts and their impact on inflation, economic growth, and the national debt.

On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Director of Scholarly Initiatives Dr. Anthony Eames sits down with William Haldeman who is the Vice Chancellor and Chief Strategy Officer at the University of Pittsburgh, and the author of “Meeting the Moment: Inspiring Presidential Leadership that Transformed America.” They discuss his experiences and research into the qualities that define successful presidents, such as judgment, ingenuity, courage, and optimism. The dialogue delves into the significance of presidential rhetoric and the impact of key speeches throughout American history. Haldeman also reflects on the balance between instinct and advice in leadership, the ingenuity of Thomas Jefferson, and the lessons learned from presidential failures, emphasizing the importance of communication in navigating crises and opportunities.

On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Director of Scholarly Initiatives Dr. Anthony Eames sits down with Dr. Megan Black who is an Associate Professor of History at MIT. They discuss the historical context of mineral exploration in the United States, tracing its roots from the early Republic through to contemporary issues surrounding strategic minerals. Professor Black highlights the tension between civilian and military power in U.S. expansion, the significance of Point Four programs in shaping mineral agendas, and the evolution of strategic minerals over time. The discussion also delves into technological innovations in mineral extraction and the relationship between government and private industry.

On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Director of Scholarly Initiatives Dr. Anthony Eames sits down with Michael Brenes who is Co-Director of the Brady-Johnson Program in Grand Strategy and Lecturer in History at Yale University. They discuss the implications of using the Cold War analogy in contemporary foreign policy, particularly regarding the US-China relationship. They explore the historical context of the Cold War, its impacts on domestic and international affairs, and the necessity for a recalibrated approach to foreign policy in a multipolar world. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of global dynamics and the need for collaboration rather than confrontation.

On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Director of Scholarly Initiatives Dr. Anthony Eames sits down with Dr. Jennifer Burns who is an Associate Professor of History at Stanford University. They explore explore the life and legacy of Milton Friedman, a pivotal figure in economics and political thought. They discuss Friedman’s influence on conservatism, his role in the Chicago School of Economics, and the misunderstandings surrounding his ideas. The conversation also touches on the relevance of Friedman’s work in today’s economic landscape, particularly in light of recent inflationary trends. Dr. Burns emphasizes the importance of understanding Friedman not just as a conservative economist but as a complex thinker whose ideas have shaped both liberal and conservative thought.

On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Director of Scholarly Initiatives Dr. Anthony Eames sits down with Robert Merry who is a publishing executive and New York Times Best Selling Author. Mr. Merry authored the book, “President McKinley; Architect of the American Century.” They explore President McKinley’s role as a pivotal figure in American history, his political strategies, and how his presidency shaped the modern executive office. The discussion also touches on McKinley’s protectionist policies, his approach to foreign relations, particularly with China, and how contemporary figures like President Donald Trump interpret McKinley’s legacy.

On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Director of Scholarly Initiatives Dr. Anthony Eames sits down with Professor Randall Fowler who is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication and Sociology at Abilene Christian University. They discuss his book “Securing the Prize: Presidential Metaphor and US Intervention in the Persian Gulf” which explores the evolution of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East through the lens of political rhetoric and public opinion. The discussion covers the historical context of American perceptions of the Middle East, the use of metaphors by U.S. presidents, and the implications of these metaphors on policy decisions. Fowler emphasizes the importance of understanding how language shapes public perception and policy, particularly in relation to the Middle East’s geopolitical significance.

On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Director of Scholarly Initiatives Dr. Anthony Eames sits down with Professor Mark White who is a Professor of History at Queen Mary University of London. They discuss his book on John F. Kennedy entitled, “Icon, Libertine, Leader: The Life and Presidency of John F. Kennedy”, and explore the complexities of Kennedy’s presidency, the myth of Camelot, his growth as a leader, and the impact of his domestic and foreign policies. Professor White emphasizes Kennedy’s evolution in response to significant events, his relationships with key political figures, and the implications of his private life on his public image. The discussion also speculates on what might have happened had Kennedy lived beyond 1963, particularly regarding civil rights and Vietnam.