Peace Through Strength

"Few modern strategists understand the nuances of defense policy and national security as deeply as Roger Zakheim. In Peace Through Strength, he masterfully captures President Reagan’s core philosophical perspective, proving that a strong military is the ultimate guarantor of liberty. Zakheim delivers the definitive story of how Reagan's historic defense buildup successfully deterred our adversaries and became a source of national pride. His book is a timely reminder that 'Peace through Strength' is not just a historical doctrine, but an essential strategy that has preserved America's peace and prosperity for generations.”—Paul Ryan, former Speaker of the House

“America is once again in an undeclared state of emergency, staring down an authoritarian rival mid-buildup while our own arsenal ages out. Roger Zakheim has written the definitive account of the last time we solved this problem not as nostalgia, but as an operating manual. Peace Through Strength shows how Reagan turned an improbable idea into tanks, ships, planes, and ultimately victory without firing a shot. Every founder, engineer, and reformer trying to rebuild American hard power today should study this book and then get to work.”—Shyman Sankar, CTO of Palantir Technologies

“Military buildups are supposed to be impossible in peacetime democracies—voters won't pay for them and politicians won't fight for them. Roger Zakheim tells the remarkable story of how Reagan did the impossible: sustaining the largest peacetime buildup in American history against relentless opposition, including from his own party, because he understood that weakness invites war. This is a book about strategic conviction and political courage precisely at a moment when we need both again."—Joe Lonsdale, founder of Palantir Technologies and 8VC