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Max Boot

Historian, columnist, and senior fellow for national security studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, who writes and advises on foreign policy and U.S. alliance strategy.

Top 10 podcasts with Max Boot

Ranked by the Snipd community
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31 snips
Feb 6, 2026 • 53min

Is U.S. Control of Limited Territory in Greenland A Strategic Necessity?

Max Boot, CFR national security columnist; Kori Schake, AEI foreign and defense policy expert; Michael Pillsbury, Heritage Foundation strategist on U.S.-China competition; Alexander B. Gray, former White House NSC aide and Arctic policy specialist. They debate U.S. territorial moves in Greenland, NATO and treaty implications, great-power competition in the Arctic, and whether pressure on allies helps or harms strategy.
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29 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 34min

The Strategy Gap in Iran, With Max Boot

Max Boot, Jeane J. Kirkpatrick senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and military historian, breaks down tactical wins versus strategic uncertainty. He discusses vague U.S. goals, Iranian regional escalation, vulnerabilities of the Strait of Hormuz, allies’ reluctance to assume naval risks, drone surprises, and U.S. munitions shortfalls.
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7 snips
Sep 24, 2024 • 58min

507 | Max Boot: The End of the Reagan Era and the Future of the GOP

Max Boot, a Washington Post columnist and Reagan biographer, dives into the evolving legacy of Ronald Reagan in the context of today's political landscape. He explores whether Reagan would endorse Trump and discusses the decline of his ideals within the GOP. The conversation examines the rise of populism stemming from Reagan's policies, alongside insights on the disconnect between economic data and public perception today. Additionally, Boot reflects on Reagan’s charisma from Hollywood and the lessons it holds for today's leaders.
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Sep 12, 2024 • 59min

Reagan's Life And Legacy (with Max Boot)

Max Boot, a bestselling author, historian, and policy analyst, joins to explore the life and legacy of Ronald Reagan. They dive into how Reagan reshaped the GOP and his journey from humble beginnings to presidential power. The conversation highlights Reagan's unique leadership style, contrasting it with Donald Trump's approach, and discusses the shift within the Republican Party from Reagan's era to now. Boot emphasizes the importance of understanding Reagan's policies to appreciate his lasting influence on American society and politics.
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Oct 1, 2024 • 1h 1min

Why Ronald Reagan Wanted to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (Max Boot)

Max Boot, a historian and author of a defining biography of Ronald Reagan, dives into the complex life of the actor-turned-president. He discusses Reagan's surprising anti-nuclear stance shaped by personal experiences, alongside his political evolution from liberalism to conservatism. Boot highlights key moments, including Reagan's relationships with Gorbachev and Margaret Thatcher, and the transformative leadership that eased Cold War tensions. The conversation also touches on the current state of conservatism and the challenges facing today's Republican Party.
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Sep 10, 2024 • 34min

Ronald Reagan on U.S. Global Leadership, with Max Boot

Max Boot, a senior fellow for national security studies at CFR and a columnist for The Washington Post, joins James M. Lindsay to unpack Ronald Reagan’s foreign policy legacy. They discuss Reagan's complex presidency, noting his triumphs like economic revival alongside failures such as delayed crisis responses. The dialogue highlights Reagan's communication prowess, his transformative summit with Gorbachev, and contrasts his tactics with the current U.S.-China relations. Boot emphasizes the necessity of active U.S. global leadership amidst contemporary isolationist trends.
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Mar 11, 2026 • 51min

The Post-Iran War Prognosis Is Deeply Unsettling

Holly Dagres, Iran specialist offering sharp takes on Tehran’s calculations. Aaron David Miller, seasoned U.S. foreign policy analyst with strategic perspective. Max Boot, historian and commentator on geopolitics. They debate whether this is an excursion or full-scale war. They probe who controls the endgame, regional fallout, risks of nuclear incentives, and which global powers stand to gain.
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Mar 5, 2026 • 46min

Hegseth: U.S. “Just Getting Started” As Iran War Spreads

Anna Navarro, political commentator known for media critique, Max Boot, historian of U.S. military policy, and Brett McGurk, Middle East and counterterrorism expert, dissect widening U.S.-Iran conflict. They debate aggressive rhetoric versus measured military tone. They examine reports of covert arming of Kurdish groups, legal questions about war powers, and historical precedents for limited strikes.
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Feb 18, 2026 • 38min

The More the World Hears from the US, the More Confused it Gets

Max Boot, CFR foreign-policy analyst; Rosa Brooks, Georgetown law professor and policy thinker; Ed Luce, Financial Times columnist. They debate Munich’s shockwaves for Europe and perceptions of US unpredictability. They dissect Rubio’s Munich moves, transatlantic unease, and the scramble for credible Democratic foreign-policy voices. Tension, symbolism, and political jockeying take center stage.
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Jan 9, 2026 • 44min

Happy New Imperialism, Everybody!

This discussion features Ed Luce, an Opinion writer at the Financial Times, and Max Boot, a Senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. They dive into Trump's assertive foreign policy moves, questioning whether his actions reflect new imperialism or classical expansionism. Luce warns of potential legal erosion and the risks of military actions, while Boot draws historical parallels. They also explore the implications of Trump's power grabs domestically and the possible global reactions from rivals like China and Russia.

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