Deconstructing Reagan | Kyle Longley

Deconstructing Reagan: Conservative Mythology and America's Fortieth President

Extended Synopsis

Ronald Reagan remains a potent symbol for the modern American conservative movement. Decades after his presidency, his name serves as a rallying cry, a standard for fiscal rectitude, and a benchmark for personal honor among political pundits and campus activists alike. But how much of this enduring "Reagan legacy" is built on historical fact, and how much is constructed from idealized myth? Deconstructing Reagan offers a rigorous, fascinating study of the interplay between politics and collective memory concerning the fortieth president.

By critically examining the mythmaking process, the authors investigate why Reagan’s legacy has been so frequently invoked to formulate contemporary fiscal, domestic, and foreign policies. While giving credit where it is due, the text scrutinizes the realities of his administration against the hagiography that has developed in conservative circles. This volume provides essential context for understanding the construction of political icons and the impact of that legacy on modern American political discourse.

Key Features

• Critical Analysis: Separates historical reality from political mythology.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Blends history, political science, and memory studies.
• Policy Context: Examines how the Reagan myth influences contemporary political decision-making.

Reader Targeting

• Students and scholars of 20th-century American history and political science.
• Readers interested in the history of the American conservative movement.
• Those researching the construction of political legacies and presidential history.

About the Authors

This work is a collaborative effort by distinguished scholars and political analysts including Kyle Longley, Jeremy D. Mayer, Michael Schaller, and John W. Sloan. Together, they provide a comprehensive, multi-faceted look at the Reagan era and its aftermath, drawing on their extensive backgrounds in history and political research.

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