Reagan & Nixon Revisited | George Will, Lord Conrad Black, Dan McCarthy, & Susan Hanssen

This dynamic panel discussion, held at the Intercollegiate Studies Institute’s annual Homecoming event, brought together four leading voices in conservative thought to explore the legacies of two pivotal American presidents—Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. Moderated by Dr. Susan Hanssen, associate professor of history at the University of Dallas, the conversation delved into the complex political and intellectual histories of these two figures and their impact on American conservatism.

The panel featured:

Lord Conrad Black, renowned historian and former media mogul, who offered insights drawn from his biographies of Nixon and his broader reflections on American politics, placing Nixon’s accomplishments and shortcomings in the context of post-war conservatism.

George Will, the eminent political columnist and author, known for his elegant prose and deep conservatism, who provided a critical perspective on the Reagan Revolution, discussing Reagan’s transformation of the Republican Party and his role in shaping the modern conservative movement.

Dan McCarthy, editor of Modern Age, contributed a nuanced understanding of how both Nixon and Reagan’s administrations navigated foreign policy challenges and built new conservative coalitions, highlighting how their legacies continue to influence the American right today.

Dr. Hanssen, with her expertise in American intellectual history, expertly guided the discussion, weaving together the panelists’ perspectives and prompting them to consider how Reagan and Nixon’s distinct approaches to governance, public rhetoric, and policy have shaped the ongoing debates within conservatism.

The panel offered a robust and thoughtful examination of these two towering figures, sparking lively debate and drawing valuable connections between their historical legacies and the contemporary conservative movement.