Rendezvous With History

A Cold War Analogy with Michael Brenes

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.

Unlocking the Legacy of Milton Friedman with Dr. Jennifer Burns

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.

The Legacy of McKinley in Modern Politics with Robert Merry

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.

The Evolution of Presidential Metaphors with Professor Randall Fowler

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.

Kennedy’s Evolution: A Leader in Progress with Professor Mark White

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.

Political Parties and Legacies with Dr. Steven Hayward

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.

Predicting Presidential Elections with Dr. Allan Lichtman

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.

Presidential Power and PATCO with Dr. Andy Busch

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.

A Forgotten Founding Father with Dr. Lindsay M. Chervinsky

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.

A Man For The Whole People

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.