Why the Cold War Still Matters with John Lewis Gaddis | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution

The podcast features an interview with John Lewis Gaddis, a Cold War historian, who discusses the complexities of the Cold War era and its continuing relevance. Gaddis emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context, including the roles of the United States, Russia, and China, and the impact of the atomic bomb in preventing a hot war. He explores George Kennan's containment strategy, the failures of détente, and Ronald Reagan's approach to the Soviet Union. Gaddis also touches on grand strategy, the balance between aspirations and capabilities, and the lessons from his Yale seminar. He concludes by reflecting on the challenges facing the United States today, including its relationship with China, and stresses the importance of learning from history to navigate future threats.