Heard at Heritage

America’s children should not be used as pawns by political activists who do not respect the diverse viewpoints in contentious cultural conversations. The Equality Act opens the door for destructive gender ideology to be pushed in schools, sports, medicine, and society at large—putting children at risk and undermining the rights of parents. Join us to learn what parents and concerned citizens can do to protect children’s minds, bodies, and relationships with their parents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Biden's American Families Plan would further expand subsidies under Obamacare and the American Recovery Plan. Real health care reform is needed, but this costly and unjustified proposal won't help achieve it.Health policy professionals won’t want to miss this 30-minute "Policy Pulse" discussion. Find out more about why this plan is headed in the wrong direction and what can be done to get back on track in health care. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Biden's American Families Plan would dramatically expand the welfare state and abandon the principles of work-based welfare reform that have succeeded for a generation. This would disserve the very families it intends to help.Domestic policy professionals won’t want to miss this 30-minute “Policy Pulse” discussion on the welfare proposals in the American Families Plan and alternative policy reforms that would build on, rather than tear down, the successes of the last 25 years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While the historic increase in illegal aliens entering the U.S. under the Biden Administration has been getting significant attention, the staggering increase in drug seizures at the border has gone largely unnoticed. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the seizures of fentanyl from October to April have exceeded such seizures in all of fiscal year 2020. Texas, alone, has seen an 800% increase of fentanyl in April compared to April 2020. How did this happen and what actions can the U.S. government take to bring this crisis under control?  Homeland security and law enforcement professionals won’t want to miss this "Policy Pulse" dive into the causes and solutions of drug smuggling.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Biden Administration has proposed massive new education spending as a part of its American Families Plan. But will its prescriptions for universal preschool and "free" community college reap the academic benefits American students need?Education policy professionals won’t want to miss this 30-minute Policy Pulse discussion on why the Biden Administration's education plans head the wrong direction and how we can chart a better course for students' future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Voddie Baucham, preacher, professor, and cultural apologist, says, “Antiracism offers no salvation—only perpetual penance to battle an incurable disease.” Join us and discover the disturbing worldview that underlines the philosophy of social justice and critical race theory.Dr. Baucham will bring understanding to these divisive issues while offering guidance to those seeking a pathway toward truth and community. Students and scholars will leave this webinar with a blueprint of how to hold productive conversations, unify communities that misunderstand each other, and connect Americans with varying viewpoints. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Biden Administration argues the American Families Plan is critical to help families get back to work after Covid-19 by providing massive new federal spending on childcare and paid family leave. But politicians' preferred policies in these areas can't match the diversity of family priorities.Family policy professionals won’t want to miss this 30-minute Policy Pulse about child care and paid family leave policies proposed in Biden's American Families Plan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The radical Islamist organization Hamas fired more than 4000 rockets at Israeli communities in just ten days in May, terrorizing millions of Israeli citizens—Jewish, Muslim, and Christian alike. As Israel seeks defend her citizens from the onslaught, “progressive” groups and politicians have displayed an inexplicable hostility towards our ally, with baseless accusations and twisted reporting becoming the norm.Policy professionals won’t want to miss this 30-minute Policy Pulse discussion—a critical opportunity hear from Israel experts Michael Doran and Ellie Cohanim on the fundamentals of the conflict and the roots of anti-Israel sentiment on the American left. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The success of COVID vaccine development highlights the importance of private sector innovation. Yet, President Biden and Congress are launching a policy attack that could prevent future medical innovation. These short-sighted efforts to “curb prescription drug costs” focus on expanding federal authority over pharmaceutical access, imposing government price controls, and weakening patent protections. This will result in fewer life-saving drugs and cures being developed, and ultimately do more harm than help.Health care policy researchers and health providers won’t want to miss this important conversation on policies that protect access to today’s treatments without sacrificing tomorrow’s cures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Biden Administration’s first budget contains some inexplicable choices to cut national defense purchasing power while simultaneously proposing historic increases in spending on education. While national defense is one of the few constitutionally enumerated tasks for the federal government and all signs point to a need for increased funding to account for a more dangerous world, instead the administration proposed a $5 billion cut in buying power. Conversely education—Constitutionally the responsibility of states and local governments—is slated for a 40 percent increase in its budget, even though spending has no correlation with academic improvement. What can explain these seemingly illogical decisions and how can logic be restored to important budget choices? In this must-see conversation for policymakers and legislative staff, the Directors of Heritage’s Center for National Defense and Center for Education Policy discuss the history of federal funding approaches in these policy areas, their current respective budgetary needs, and what the Biden administration’s actions thus far portend for these critical issues.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following a military coup in February that unlawfully detained the elected leaders of Burma’s civilian government, a coalition of ousted lawmakers, ethnic leaders, and anti-coup activists formed the National Unity Government (NUG). The NUG is the legitimate Government of Burma, formed in line with the people’s mandate per the General Elections of 2020. Daw Zin Mar Aung is the Foreign Minister of the NUG. U Htin Ling Aung is the international representative of the NUG in the United States. Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican Leader in the Senate, has led the U.S. policy response to the ups and downs in Burma over the last 25 years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Strong families and hard work are the foundation of strong society, and the basis for healthy child development, meaningful relationships, and economic well-being. Unfortunately, President Biden’s American Families Plan expands government infrastructure without addressing the real problems families face. Under this plan, politicians in Washington, D.C., would take more of Americans’ income to fund benefits that politicians—not families—create, approve, and control. Furthermore, the new policy’s welfare expansion would reduce incentives for employment, discourage healthy marriages, and increase government dependence.>>> The American Families Plan Will Do More Harm Than GoodDomestic policy researchers won’t want to miss this critical conversation with Heritage experts overviewing the plan’s components and discussing alternatives that would better address the needs of real American families. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Social media sites shape the way many people view reality, but the corporations behind them are increasingly working to silence dissenting points of view. Big Tech companies are moderating, labeling, and removing conservative content and accounts with growing abandon, and the problem goes beyond Facebook and Twitter. Members of Congress have held numerous Big Tech hearings, but have yet to pass legislation to reform the main law Big Tech abuses as it censors speech, Section 230 of Communications Decency Act of 1996. Join as FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr discusses the scale of the problem, the services at risk for conservatives, and remedies for censorship that go beyond Section 230. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our system for electing the President—the Electoral College—was carefully crafted by the Framers and has worked successfully for over 200 years, protecting and nurturing our Republic. Unfortunately, it is currently under assault from two fronts: a constitutionally questionable National Popular Vote Movement, and now Congressional Democrats pushing a constitutional amendment. Every American should be concerned that the Electoral College is under siege by these efforts, which would radicalize the U.S. political system and marginalize the voices of smaller, less populated states. Our Founders masterfully crafted a system that balances popular sovereignty and state representation, while also encouraging broad coalition building, promoting legitimacy of election outcomes, fostering stability, and discouraging election fraud. We must preserve it. Join us for an address by Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK), followed by a panel with two leading experts on the Electoral College who are on the front lines of this fight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From assassinations to spyware to the intimidation of family members, autocracies use the means of transnational repression to silence exiles and opponents around the world. Unfortunately, one tool used by abusive regimes to harass citizens abroad is Interpol itself.Interpol, the international organization of police agencies, plays an important role in promoting cooperation against genuine crime. However, it has also been manipulated by its autocratic members into an instrument of transnational repression, and a recent report by Freedom House emphasizes and details the reality of this abuse.A 2019 Congressional hearing with the U.S. Helsinki Commission led to the introduction of the TRAP Act, which would reform U.S. policy towards Interpol, in both the House and Senate. This legislation would be a critical tool against abuse of the system, but more needs to be done.Join a panel chaired by Dr. Ted R. Bromund, an authority on Interpol, as leading voices on Interpol abuse set out the problem and what the democratic world must to do to end it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Congress passed Authorizations for the Use of Military Force in Iraq in both 1991 and 2002, and both AUMFs remain in force. However, the object and purpose of those war powers has long been accomplished.Repealing these war authorizations is key matter of congressional “hygiene” and gets the Congress back in the business of exercising its responsibilities under Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the Constitution.Rolling back these vestigial war powers also would not affect the 2001 AUMF passed after 9/11, which is the primary tool used to fight al-Qaeda, the Taliban, ISIS, and others like them. Join us for a moderated discussion with Senators Tim Kaine and Todd Young, who have crafted bi-partisan legislation to finally repeal the 1991 and 2002 Iraq AUMFs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First Principles Townhall: Parents Bringing Civics to the Public SquareAmerica is experiencing a cultural crisis, and parents across the country have asked us how to pass the American legacy to the next generation in a culture increasingly hostile to American identity. The Heritage Foundation’s First Principles Townhall will speak into this moment, offering participants the educational tools to give their children an honest understanding of our history: to help them appreciate America’s political and cultural achievements, as well as our debt to the classical-Christian tradition.Session Two: “Winning Freedom: The American Revolution”President Ronald Reagan famously stated that “freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction,” and preserving our liberties requires knowledge of their origins. This past year, our history and founding principles have been questioned, doubted, and challenged. Others have sought to not only distort our American heritage but to fundamentally change it. Join us for Part 2 of our Parent Townhall Series “Winning Freedom,” in which Dr. Joseph Loconte will explain how exceptional the American Revolution was in world history and why it could easily have collapsed into tyranny, like the French Revolution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pushed by grassroots activists, President Joe Biden has created a Supreme Court commission that will examine “reform” ideas such as Court-packing. In the meantime, members of Congress have introduced legislation to increase the Court from nine to thirteen. This is the first attempt to change the basic structure of the Court since President Franklin Roosevelt failed to do it in 1937. The purpose of court-packing and the damage it would do to the judiciary, remain the same. Unlike the 1930s, however, achieving this result through legislation today would require changing the Senate’s legislative process for the first time in more than 200 years.Policy professionals won’t want to miss this 30-minute Policy Pulse discussion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The United States Space Force (USSF) was founded in 2019 as the world’s first standalone military branch dedicated to the domain of space.This April, the Heritage Foundation released an in-depth study titled “Rebuilding America’s Military: The United States Space Force,” highlighting the service’s current state, capabilities, and its growing partnership with civil and commercial space organizations.Among the advances, NASA-funded innovations in small satellite propulsion and navigation have opened the aperture of possibilities for offensive counterspace operations and the commercial sector now offers the service an all-but-on-demand launch capability.However, there is still work to be done. The Space Force must develop operational and tactical doctrine for counterspace operations. It must increase space situational awareness, and operational resilience by growing its portfolio of satellites in all orbits. And Congress must grant the authorities required to consolidate all appropriate Defense Department space organizations, personnel, and systems into the USSF as rapidly as possible.Join in on the conversation with the former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and our all-star panel of space power experts as they explore this critical issue. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Defense supply chains—the complex networks of firms which design, build, and maintain defense items—are critical to U.S. national security. Sadly, these supply chains are under threat. Some defense programs depend on Chinese suppliers for key items, while others rely on small American suppliers struggling to stay in business. There is a bipartisan consensus that these threats must be confronted, but no conclusion on how to do it.On May 7, hear about this critical issue from three different perspectives. Representative Mike Gallagher co-chairs the House of Representatives’ new task force on strengthening defense supply chains, Rick Giannini is President of Milwaukee Valve Company and chairman of the Aircraft Carrier Industrial Base Coalition, and Maiya Clark is a Research Associate at The Heritage Foundation specializing in the defense industrial base.This dialogue between Congress, industry, and the policy world aims to shed new light on the issue of defense supply chains—and begin to chart a path forward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his groundbreaking work, Areopagitica (1644), English author John Milton offered the first comprehensive plea for freedom of speech in the West. The opponents of free speech, he wrote, would cause “the discouragement of all learning, and the stop of truth.” The enemies of free speech are back. As in the United States, Leftist groups in Great Britain have attempted to shut down speech on the nation’s university campuses, tear down statues of historical figures, and censor debate in the public square. But the British government is confronting the scourge of cancel culture. Recently, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced new rules to strengthen freedom of speech in higher education and penalize attempts to silence legitimate debate. The Conservative government is also introducing legislation to protect British statues and monuments from mob rule. What can America learn from Great Britain in the fight against cancel culture?Join us as British experts shares their thoughts on lessons from across the Atlantic toward defeating cancel culture and protecting free speech. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The national security threats the United States and its allies are facing around the globe are growing in number and complexity. The international order that has served as the framework for American security at home and abroad for over 70 years is being actively undermined by China, Russia and their allies.Is U.S. intelligence properly postured to answer the vexing national security questions that our national and military decision makers need answered? If there are obstacles to shaping a more responsive Intelligence Community (IC) to the challenges we face, what are those barriers to building a more effective IC? What does a revised social contract with the American people look like in era where there is a growing distrust in the government to protect their privacy and civil liberties? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Biden Administration wants to dramatically overhaul America’s health care, putting the government even more in charge of personal decisions. Conservatives must do more than oppose the President’s leftist agenda—they must advance policies that will actually lower health care costs and improve coverage choices. The good news is that there is a growing coalition offering bold reforms that have resulted in better care for all.Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN), head of the Republican Study Committee (RSC), has become a strong leader on this issue, calling on conservatives to focus on health care reform, which starts with learning from past failures and successes. Join the Heritage Foundation for a discussion with Rep. Banks and a panel of experts, who will detail how to improve health care for all Americans by unleashing innovation, increasing transparency, and empowering doctors and patients over bureaucrats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first time since the end of the Cold War, rising authoritarian powers are unapologetically attempting to undermine the international order and challenge the American way of life. To confront this threat, the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) must undergo the biggest transformation since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.We face geopolitical upheaval around the globe, and “hybrid warfare” enabled by widespread disinformation campaigns are on the rise. Furthermore, America’s enemies are leveraging rapidly-evolving technological capabilities, including cyber warfare, on par with the U.S.Are America’s intelligence agencies well postured to respond to the rapidly evolving threats from China, Russia and their closest allies? No one is better positioned to answer that question than John Ratcliffe, former Director of National Intelligence and former member of the House Intelligence Committee. Join us as he discusses the opportunities for America’s spies, principal barriers holding our intelligence agencies back, and how to best protect America in the new age of Great Power Competition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Pacific Islands are an important area of cooperation for the United States and Taiwan, as both have major interests at stake in the region.For the U.S., the Pacific Islands are critical to the Indo-Pacific strategy and its status as a resident power in the Western Pacific. Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa are all part of the United States. Furthermore, the U.S. has maintained close political, economic and especially security relationships with Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau under the Compacts of Free Association.The Pacific Islands are indispensable to Taiwan’s political status. Taiwan and China and continue to compete over diplomatic support, with the Pacific Islands being a hotly contested battleground. Currently, four Pacific Island nations have diplomatic relations with Taiwan.For years, The Heritage Foundation has not only called for increased cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan, but also U.S. support for Pacific Island nations. Both of these objectives serve to counter China’s efforts to push the U.S. out of the region. Join us for a discussion of these important strategic issues and the importance of cooperation for the U.S., Taiwan, and our partners in the Pacific. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

American small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. These entrepreneurs are responsible for two-thirds of all new job creation and employ over 60 million Americans. Many small business owners are asking if the Biden Administration will turn back Trump’s specific economic policies that directly led to lower unemployment rates for Blacks and Hispanics.Join us for a fireside chat with Kevin Hassett, Trump’s Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors, to hear the facts about specific policies that created an economic boom for the minority community!This event serves as the kick-off for a roundtable series to explore key economic policies that benefit minority businesses. The Heritage Foundation and Black Americans for a Better Future Education Fund will convene small business leaders, major corporations, and economic policy leaders to discuss best practices and models that lead to economic flourishing. Stay tuned for your invitation to participate in these upcoming roundtables. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First Principles Townhall: Parents Bringing Civics to the Public SquareAmerica is experiencing a cultural crisis, and parents across the country have asked us how to pass the American legacy to the next generation in a culture increasingly hostile to American identity. The Heritage Foundation’s First Principles Townhall will speak into this moment, offering participants the educational tools to give their children an honest understanding of our history: to help them appreciate America’s political and cultural achievements, as well as our debt to the classical-Christian tradition.Session 1: “Why Future Leaders Need to Understand the Past”Near the center of our cultural crisis is a crisis of memory: The most powerful forces in society are either ignoring the remarkable history of the United States or are attempting to rewrite and pervert this history in the pursuit of a radical political and social agenda. Never before has the meaning and significance of the American Founding come under such sustained attack. Join Dr. Joseph Loconte for a discussion of how American democracy grew out of the classical-Christian tradition and why an honest understanding of our history is a democratic necessity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The radicalism of the Iranian regime has destabilized the Middle East since 1979. Three generations of the Kim dynasty have taunted every president since Truman. However, neither have presented as dangerous a threat to the United States and its allies as they do today. As North Korea continues to test and improve weapons, the Iranians may be rebooting their nuclear program. Hear about the state of these threats, and what we can do to confront them.Back to Reagan’s Future: The Importance of Nuclear Deterrence and Missile Defense for an Uncertain World The American public often associates nuclear deterrence with the Cold War. Unfortunately, the nuclear threat from America’s adversaries is arguably more dangerous than ever before. In the face of strategic competitors like China and Russia and threats from rogue states such as Iran and North Korea, American nuclear deterrence and missile defense must be at the top of the national security agenda. In order to build a realistic nuclear policy for today’s world, it is important to take stock of the threat and our capabilities, and carefully consider policy options for the future. This series will convene leading experts to discuss the current nuclear landscape.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Chinese Navy has rapidly grown, so too has its Coast Guard and Maritime Militia. This places added stress on the U.S. Navy to uphold a rules-based order, while our regional partners struggle to secure their own waters.Last November, the Secretary of the Navy sought to address this by resurrecting the defunct First Fleet and basing it at the crossroads of the Indo-Pacific. One would be forgiven in assuming the idea passed with the outgoing administration, but the facts on the ocean have made the idea a continuing priority. The Biden Administration’s recently-released interim national security strategic guidance makes a strong case for enhancing existing alliances and seeking new partners in the contest with China, and the Commander of the Pacific Fleet recently acknowledged an ongoing review of the idea.As the season for a new South China Sea crisis approaches, there is no better person to assess the idea of a new First Fleet than the man who suggested it in the first place—Ambassador Kenneth Braithwaite, the 77th Secretary of the Navy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Free, fair, and secure elections are the bedrock of a democracy. In the wake of the 2020 election, it has never been more apparent that significant work needs to be done to ensure Americans, regardless of party affiliation, have trust and confidence in our electoral process. We witnessed significant voting irregularities, last-minute changes, and numerous instances of officials setting aside state election law, amongst a host of other troubling patterns. While state legislatures are beginning to take action to reform vulnerabilities that currently exist, the U.S. Congress is trying to make a power grab to federalize elections and unconstitutionally impose unnecessary, dangerous and unwise mandates on the states. Join us for a timely and important discussion with Senator Rand Paul on states’ efforts on election reform and an update on H.R. 1: The “For the People Act of 2021,” that just passed the House and has a looming vote in the Senate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Described as the ‘largest and most sophisticated attack ever,’ the hacking of SolarWinds Inc. shocked the cybersecurity world and led to a massive compromise of networks owned by the U.S. government and Fortune 500 companies.After breaching SolarWinds, a top tier technology company, the hackers used their access to infiltrate its many clients. The list of exposed organizations included the Department of Defense, Department of the Treasury, Department of Justice, and many others. The most likely culprit is a hacking organization affiliated with the Russian military, often referred to as “Cozy Bear.”The full extent of the breach remains unknown, but the hackers operated in the networks for months before being detected. The amount of sensitive information stolen is likely massive.To protect the American people, it is critical that we understand this hack and what the Russian government hopes to get out of it. The United States must know how to confront this threat going forward, as it is only a matter of time before Cozy Bear, or another group like it, strikes again.As the former head of the Department of Homeland Security, Chad Wolf brings a unique view to this topic based on his direct experience. Scott Jasper is an expert in Russian cyber operations. Together they will provide a great window into the hack and why it should matter to everyone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the early 20th century, the federal government engaged in housing “redlining”—a practice that conditioned access to federally backed home loans on the perceived economic health of a neighborhood and used demographic factors such as race in those decisions. Today, underperforming public schools are too often located in the areas “redlined” by government agencies in the 20th century. Yet local government policies largely maintain attendance zone boundaries and residential assignment, relegating students with few means to whatever public school is on their side of the street.Understanding the history of government-sanctioned redlining in the housing sector demonstrates a major problem with continuing to tie housing to schooling. This arrangement is an historical relic that impedes opportunity, limits choice, and prevents parents from selecting a school that best fits their child. There is, however, a clear policy remedy. Join us for a conversation about this history and specific remedies for addressing the lingering effects of housing redlining on education. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When the Cold War ended, many thought that democracy had triumphed over authoritarianism. However, today’s Russia and China are both attempting to undermine U.S. values and leadership and install a new world order based on autocratic values. Nuclear weapons will serve as a central feature in this struggle, presenting the urgent need to ensure America’s own nuclear deterrence remains safe, secure, and reliable. Hear about this threat and what America must do to preserve peace.Back to Reagan’s Future: The Importance of Nuclear Deterrence and Missile Defense for an Uncertain WorldThe American public often associates nuclear deterrence with the Cold War. Unfortunately, the nuclear threat from America’s adversaries is arguably more dangerous than ever before. In the face of strategic competitors like China and Russia and threats from rogue states such as Iran and North Korea, American nuclear deterrence and missile defense must be at the top of the national security agenda. In order to build a realistic nuclear policy for today’s world, it is important to take stock of the threat and our capabilities, and carefully consider policy options for the future. This series will convene leading experts to discuss the current nuclear landscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the idea of "Democratic Socialism" becoming increasingly popular, many people question if young Americans will choose government control or individual freedom. Unfortunately, Socialism and its command-and-control economics have led many countries into a cycle of poverty and repression.Jorge Andrés Galicia Rodríguez and Andrés Guilarte are two university students who lived in Venezuela under a democratically elected socialist regime, massive blackouts, and political persecution. The increase of government social programs, the nationalization of the country's oil industry, and corruption at the highest levels of government all contributed to a once prosperous nation's economic collapse. Throughout its history, as Dr. Lee Edwards, Distinguished Fellow of Conservative Thought writes, Socialism has supported the belief that the system can make better decisions for the people than they can for themselves.Join us as Galicia Rodriguez and Guilarte speak with leading historian Dr. Lee Edwards to discuss the effects of Socialism, lessons learned, and the importance of choosing freedom over government control.Lee Edwards, a distinguished fellow in conservative thought at The Heritage Foundation, is a leading historian of American conservatism and the author or editor of 25 books. Edwards also is an adjunct professor of politics at the Catholic University of America and chairman of a foundation that dedicated the Victims of Communism Memorial in Washington, D.C., in 2007. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Czech Republic is often employed as a testing ground for Russian influence operations, many of which are later implemented against other NATO countries if successful. Hence, if one wants to understand Russia’s methods and operations, the Czech security environment provides an invaluable source of information.U.S.-Czech missile defense cooperation provides a great example of one such disinformation campaign. In that case the Czech Republic was targeted by Russian active measures, along with an influence campaign that contributed to a large portion of the Czech public ultimately opposing the idea of hosting a U.S. radar on Czech soil. These distinguished experts will pull back the curtain on just how Russia advanced its goals in the Czech Republic using original, never-before published research, and how the U.S. and NATO can work together prevent this from happening again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The border security built by the Trump Administration has been swiftly torn down by the Biden Administration. From stopping border wall construction to ending the Remain in Mexico Program, tearing up the Asylum Cooperative Agreements with Central American countries, and promising amnesty and family unification in the U.S., the Biden Administration has opened our southern border. At the same time, President Biden has restricted the vast majority of ICE’s authority to remove deportable aliens. To our country’s detriment, we are seeing record numbers of illegal aliens, particularly unaccompanied alien children, at our southwest border, and our government is quickly processing and releasing them into the U.S.Join us to discuss what should be done in Congress and the Executive Branch to both stop this border crisis and prevent illegal immigration in the first place. Also, learn what states can do to enforce their laws and protect their interests when the federal government refuses to. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In order to launch an assault on the British monarchy, the American radical Left has seized upon the claims from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, that the Royal Family created a hostile, racist environment for the couple. Britain’s constitutional monarchy—among the most powerful conservative institutions on the world stage—represents everything the radical Left despises: tradition, authority, hierarchy, patriotism, and the political and religious ideals of Western Civilization.Our panel of British leaders and experts will explain what this cultural moment means for both America and Great Britain and why the Left’s attacks will fail. Please join the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom and Simon Center for American Studies for an insightful discussion about defending conservative institutions and uniting to preserve the special UK-US Relationship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most of America’s nuclear forces are decades old and urgently need to be replaced. President Obama embarked on a major effort to modernize the nation’s nuclear enterprise, which made significant progress under the Trump administration. Nevertheless, serious challenges remain. Defense budgets are expected to tighten under the Biden administration, which is also facing renewed calls from outside groups to drastically reduce our nuclear forces or change our overall deterrence posture. Meanwhile, our adversaries are only increasing their nuclear capabilities.With the entrance of a new administration and new Congress, the future of nuclear modernization is at a pivotal moment. Senator Deb Fischer, the Ranking Member of the Senate’s Strategic Forces Subcommittee, is one of the most important voices on this topic. On March 22, she joins Heritage nuclear deterrence analyst Patty-Jane Geller to discuss the challenges and opportunities in this critical national security issue-area. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last summer’s civil unrest sought to mainstream the idea that the criminal justice system is “systemically racist” and that the police ought to be defunded. While activists believe that their sloganeering is pushing society in a better direction, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that their efforts have serious unintended consequences. An inordinate level of hostility towards police officers discourages proactive policing which, in turn, allows violent crimes to victimize the innocent. The phenomenon of cities with disengaged officers and higher levels of serious violent crimes has come to be called the “Minneapolis Effect.” Join us for a discussion with two scholars who have recently illuminated this criminological trend with rigorous empirical work.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As China policy takes center stage, there is growing debate over the what the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) actually believes. Is the CCP truly Communist, or has it become something else? In the modern world, pinpointing the nature of CCP ideology is far from simple.Understanding the CCP’s ideology can improve policymaking decisions and efforts to counter threats associated with China’s rise. What role does this ideology play in Chinese foreign policy today, and what is its global influence? Does it shape the response to American initiatives, and are there elements of this ideology that can impact Americans at home? Join us as two eminent scholars take on this tough question along with Heritage’s Dean Cheng. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is much anger and despair over the state of our politics and culture. The conservative movement historically has played a critical role in renewing the nation’s commitments to its Founding principles. What is required to do so again? What are the movement's strengths and opportunities to become a powerful force for limited constitutional government and cultural renewal? Join us for the Heritage Foundation’s distinguished Kirk Lecture delivered by George H. Nash, author of The Conservative Intellectual Movement in America Since 1945 and the pre-eminent historian of American conservatism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, a remarkable months-long display of U.S. maritime power occurred in the South China Sea. Given President Biden’s recent announcement of a special task force to formulate a new military approach to China, it is important to discuss what happened and why a sustained naval presence in the South China Sea bolsters the rules-based international order.Late last April, the USS Gabrielle Giffords was patrolling in the vicinity of the Panamanian-flagged vessel West Capella, which was being shadowed by Chinese vessels as it conducted deep-water surveys in Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which China claims for itself despite being hundreds of miles from the Chinese mainland. Operational tempo built up to include Air Force bombers in May and culminated in July with sustained dual aircraft carrier South China Sea operations: a first since 2012.On July 13, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo issued the first clear statement from the United States declaring that China’s claims over the South China Sea are unlawful. In an important refinement of long-standing talking points “supporting freedom of navigation and overflight” was the stated rationale for U.S. Operations. Seventh Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Bill Merz added that “[t]he U.S. supports the efforts of our allies and partners in the lawful pursuit of their economic interests.”Join former top State Department official David Stillwell to discuss the impact of the West Capella Incident, how U.S. handling of this event re-assured our allies, and what America must do to keep critical waters free and open. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Biden hit the ground running with a slew of executive actions and commitments on energy and climate change. His decisions represent a path to fundamentally remake America’s energy and transportation sector, from banning new oil and gas lease sales on federal lands to re-entering the Paris climate agreement and cancelling the Keystone XL pipeline.The new administration has visions of fully decarbonizing the power sector by 2035 and making a massive, government-led push to move America’s transportation system to electric power. These goals are lofty, but what does this agenda mean for everyday Americans? How will new policies affect states where the federal government owns much of the land? What will these decisions mean for energy prices, the economy, and our environment?Join us as we discuss these critical issues and offer proactive, market-oriented policy reforms that could benefit America environment and economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the wake of COVID-19, economic freedom is at risk in the United States and around the world. Governments that try to spend or regulate their way back to prosperity are doomed to failure. Join us for the release of the 27th Edition of the Index of Economic Freedom and a discussion of policies proven to have a positive impact on economic growth, health, education, and protection of the environment. As countries struggle to regain positive momentum in the fight against poverty, economic freedom is the essential ingredient. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People driving under the influence of drugs has been a major problem in America for decades, with alcohol being the most common drug used. The recent opioid-abuse epidemic, along with the decision by a large number of states to legalize cannabis for medical or recreational use, has made the problem of driving under the influence of drugs even more urgent. To save lives, the issue must be understood and addressed. Join us for a discussion with four former White House “Drug Czars” on the importance of this problem, potential new challenges as more states legalize cannabis and more individuals engage in polydrug use, and how the federal government and states should respond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Children are America’s most precious resource, but President Biden’s recent executive order politicizes K-12 education and healthcare with destructive gender ideology.This ideology endangers children’s minds, bodies, and relationships with their parents—and the Equality Act would cement it into law. Parents and lawmakers across the country are joining together to make a promise to America’s children to always put their health, safety, and privacy before the ideological or partisan concerns of adults. Please join us for this critical discussion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Heritage Foundation and The Gloucester Institute present the 4th Annual Jay A. Parker Lecture in honor of Jay A. Parker, founding father of the emerging black conservative movement. Come engage with prominent leaders about the dangerous decline in civil discourse and salute emerging leaders who are making significant contributions to our nation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Army is aggressively preparing for Great Power Competition by moving beyond incremental improvements and making transformational changes across the entire force. Most notably, the Army announced People as their #1 priority, enabling resources to efforts that take care of people and transform how to manage talent. Army transformation includes implementing new doctrine, new organizations, new ways to train, modern equipment, and how the Army competes around the world. Just recently, the Army announced a new model called Regionally Aligned Readiness and Modernization Model (ReARMM) to balance priorities and requirements. These changes ensure the Army maintains strength for the Great Power Competition environment already on the horizon.>>> Index of U.S. Military StrengthAs the Army moves into 2021 there are, however, some storm clouds on the horizon. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley recently predicted “a lot of bloodletting” as the Pentagon tries to fund all the necessary programs in a constrained funding environment. A new administration, with undoubtedly different priorities, will be soon sworn in. The recruiting environment remains difficult.Hear how the Army plans to drive transformation, priorities for 2021 and beyond, and an assessment of future challenges in this engaging webinar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

American parents have unwittingly become the primary recruiters and funders of campus radicalization. Higher education today, as Professor John Ellis describes in his book The Breakdown of Higher Education, does not teach college and university students how to think, but rather what to think.If you are increasingly frustrated over the political indoctrination at over-priced colleges and universities and believe Western Civilization's classics are being canceled in favor of leftist grievance studies, tune in. Our experts will look at how colleges and universities in America reached this sorry state and provide strategies toward protecting professors, students, and parents who refuse to exchange freedom of speech and diversity of thought for the views of the "woke" mob.Dr. Allen Guelzo, a renowned American historian, will moderate a discussion featuring Prof. John Ellis, a national expert on campus indoctrination, along with Anna Miller and Dr. Scott Yenor, authors of a new study entitled, Social Justice Ideology in Idaho Higher Education Universities: How activists infiltrate universities and use their power to indoctrinate students—and how to stop them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2021, many businesses are aiming to rebuild after the economic devastation of COVID-19 and the associated closures and restrictions. However, many of the businesses that were hardest hit by the pandemic now face a new threat that could push them out of business for good. President Biden and other liberal lawmakers in Congress want to impose a $15 national minimum wage as part of their so-called “American Rescue Plan.”Higher wages are a great thing when they come from workers producing more value, but a host of unintended consequences arise when governments try to artificially increase wages. Join us as we talk to everyday Americans about how a $15 federal minimum wage would affect them and their businesses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.