On this episode of Rendezvous with History, Anthony Eames sits down with Paul Miller to discuss his new book, "Choosing Defeat: The 20-Year Saga of How America Lost Afghanistan." They delve into the complexities of the Afghanistan war, discussing the cultural perceptions, strategic missteps, and bureaucratic challenges that shaped the conflict. They take a look back at presidential decision-making across successive administrations during the Afghanistan war. Anthony and Paul discuss what went right? And what went wrong? Paul also emphasizes the importance of character and wisdom in leadership, aiming to inspire future policymakers to learn from past mistakes. The discussion highlights the intricate interplay between cultural narratives and policy decisions, offering a nuanced perspective on a pivotal chapter in American history.

On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Director of Scholarly Initiatives Dr. Anthony Eames sits down with Dr. Stephan Kieninger who is a Global Fellow at the Wilson Center and the author of the book entitled, Securing Peace in Europe. Strobe Talbott, NATO, and Russia after the Cold War. They discuss Strobe Talbot’s background as a journalist, his transition to the State Department under President Clinton, and his influence on critical foreign policy decisions, including NATO expansion and the Kosovo conflict. Dr. Kieninger shares insights into Talbot’s early assessments of Vladimir Putin and the challenges faced in U.S.-Russia relations. The conversation concludes with reflections on the need for further research into NATO’s role and the complexities of post-Cold War security dynamics.

On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Postdoctoral Visiting Fellow Dr. Joshua Tait sits down with Professor Kevin M. Schultz who is the Chair of the Department of History at the University of Illinois-Chicago and the author of the book entitled, “Why Everyone Hates White Liberals (Including White Liberals).” The discussion explores the historical context of liberalism, its evolution, and the various perceptions and critiques of white liberals from different political perspectives. Prof. Schultz discusses the polarization in American politics, the liberal order, and the metaphorical assassination of liberalism, highlighting the multifaceted attacks it faces from both the right and the left.

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.