Conservative Conversations with ISI - Paul DeHart on Natural Law, Consent, and the Fate of the Social Contract

Paul DeHart on Natural Law, Consent, and the Fate of the Social Contract

02/25/25 • 116 min

Is the social contract broken? In this episode, Paul DeHart joins ISI to discuss his latest book, The Social Contract in the Ruins: Natural Law and Government by Consent. He challenges the idea that consent alone legitimizes government, exploring the role of natural law, classical philosophy, and the American Founding in shaping just governance.
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The Legacy of President McKinley with Robert Merry

What can we learn from President William McKinley’s leadership, and how does his legacy compare to the modern political landscape? In this fascinating conversation, historian and journalist Robert W. Merry joins ISI to discuss his latest book, President McKinley: Architect of the American Century.
McKinley, often overshadowed by his more flamboyant successors, was a transformational figure who reshaped America’s global role and set the stage for the 20th century. Merry breaks down McKinley’s underrated statesmanship, his approach to economic and foreign policy, and his impact on American conservatism.
The discussion takes an intriguing turn as McKinley’s leadership is compared to Donald Trump—examining their similarities in political realignment, media battles, and their roles as champions of the "forgotten American."