Reimagining Reagan - Conservatives and the End of the Cold War - Marcus Witcher, Hayek Lecture Series

Explore the complex legacy of Ronald Reagan's foreign policy in this thought-provoking Hayek Lecture by Marcus Witcher. Challenge the popular narrative of Reagan as a conservative purist who single-handedly won the Cold War. Delve into the often-overlooked conservative opposition to Reagan's policies during the 1980s, including the signing of the INF Treaty. Examine how myth and memory have shaped our understanding of Reagan's role in ending the Cold War. Gain insights into topics such as historical memory, conservative frustrations with Reagan, neoconservative anguish, the Strategic Defense Initiative, and Reagan's foreign policy pivot. Analyze the impact of key figures like Gorbachev, William F. Buckley, and Jack Kemp on Reagan's legacy. Reflect on how Reagan's presidency is portrayed in modern conservative circles and at the Reagan Library Museum.