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A controversial portrait of the thirty-fifth president explores his less-recognized roles in promoting anti-communism, tax cuts, free trade, and other agendas that had distinctly conservative stances

Argues that former US President Ronald Reagan adopted a foreign policy tradition that drew on elements of realism & liberal internationalism: conservative internationalism. This tradition is manifest in the foreign policy choices of Thomas Jefferson, James K. Polk, & Harry Truman, who, along with Reagan, are seen to have expanded freedom abroad through the assertive use of military force more than other US presidents. The eleven principal tenets of the conservative internationalist tradition are identified, & it is distinguished from realism & liberal internationalism. These are then illustrated with a look at the policies of Jefferson (vs Alexander Hamilton & realists), Polk (vs Andrew Jackson & nationalists), Truman (vs Franklin Roosevelt & liberal internationalists), & Reagan (vs Jimmy Carter & liberal internationalists & Richard Nixon & realists). What conservative internationalism offers the current debate on terrorism, opportunities for freedom, connection & timing of force & diplomacy, & local democracy is considered. Adapted from the source document.