On this episode of Reaganism, Roger Zakheim sits down with Karan Bhatia to discuss how AI is transforming the global economy and why existing trade rules must evolve to address digital services, data localization, intellectual-property demands, and other modern barriers. Bhatia argues that digital trade affects far more than major technology companies, influencing manufacturers, farmers, small businesses, workers, and consumers worldwide. They examine the need for internationally aligned standards grounded in fair competition and innovation, Europe’s regulatory and competitiveness challenges, the importance of US collaboration with allies, and China’s rapid progress in AI. The conversation concludes with the potential for US-China dialogue on AI safety, the role of open- and closed-source models, the importance of lowering costs, and Reagan’s principle that technology combined with freedom creates opportunity and progress.

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, 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/