On this episode of Rendezvous with History, Anthony Eames sits down with Andrew Rudavelige to discuss the intricacies of government shutdowns and the pivotal role of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Rudavelige, a professor and expert on government operations, explains the historical evolution of the OMB, highlighting its critical function in managing fiscal policies and its influence during shutdowns. They discuss the agency's discretionary power in determining essential services and employees, the impact of multi-year appropriations, and the political dynamics that often accompany shutdowns. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of executive authority and the balance of power between Congress and the presidency.

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.

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.

On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Director of Scholarly Initiatives Dr. Anthony Eames sits down with Dr. Steven Hayward who is the Edward L. Gaylord Visiting Professor of Public Policy at Pepperdine University . They discuss discusses the evolution of political eras in America, focusing on the indicators of political transition, the dynamics within political parties after electoral losses, and the shifting coalitions within the Republican Party. He reflects on the legacy of Ronald Reagan and the contrasting interpretations of his impact on modern politics, particularly in relation to Donald Trump.

On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Director of Scholarly Initiatives Dr. Anthony Eames sits down with Dr. Allan Lichtman who is a distinguished professor of history at American University, and the creator of the ‘Keys to the White House’ which has correctly predicted the outcomes of all US presidential elections since 1984. They discuss Dr. Lichtman’s process for predicting presidential elections, his track record dating back to the 1984 election of Reagan v. Mondale, and Dr. Lichtman’s prediction for Election 2024.

On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Director of Scholarly Initiatives Dr. Anthony Eames sits down with Dr. Andy Busch who is the Associate Director of the Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. They discuss Dr. Busch’s new book entitled, Ronald Reagan and the Firing of the Air Traffic Controllers, which covers the 1981 decision by President Reagan to fire over 12,000 members of the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Association (PATCO) and decertify their union.

On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Director of Scholarly Initiatives Dr. Anthony Eames sits down with Dr. Lindsay M. Chervinsky who is a presidential historian and the Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library. They discuss Dr. Chervinsky’s new book, “Making the Presidency John Adams and the Precedents That Forged the Republic.” The conversation focused on President Adam’s critical role in managing political fracture and factions in the early republic.

On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Director of Scholarly Initiatives Dr. Anthony Eames sits down with Dr. Randall Woods who is a Distinguished Professor of History at the University of Arkansas. They discuss Dr. Woods’ new book entitled, “John Quincy Adams: A Man for the Whole People,” John Quincy Adams’ upbringing, his time in Europe, his role in the diplomacy of the early republic, and his time as Dean of the House.

On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Director of Scholarly Initiatives Dr. Anthony Eames sits down with Janelle Neises who serves in the Office of Public Affairs of the Central Intelligence Agency. They discuss the CIA museum, its mission and purpose, and what goes into actually selecting and approving the exhibits and artifacts. They also chat about the CIA and its consultation on films and television like Jack Ryan, Argo, The Americans, and more.

On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Director of Scholarly Initiatives Dr. Anthony Eames sits down with Dr. James Graham Wilson who serves as a Supervisory Historian at the U.S. Department of State. They discuss Dr. Wilson’s new book entitled, “America’s Cold Warrior: Paul Nitze and National Security from Roosevelt to Reagan.” The discussion focuses on Nitze’s work with President Reagan during the nuclear treaty discussions of the 1980's.

On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Director of Scholarly Initiatives Dr. Anthony Eames sits down with Dr. Luke Griffith who is a Professor of Government and History at New Mexico Junior College. They discuss his latest book entitled, Unraveling the Gray Area Problem. Professor Griffith examines the role of the United States in the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, its impact on western security, and how it ultimately failed.