International Law,
Constitutional Law
Sep. 23, 2025
Shattered trust: law, liberalism, and the crumbling social contract
In an era of domestic polarization, media distortion and international instability, the social contract in the U.S. and the West is fraying, highlighting the critical role of law, evidence, and civic responsibility in maintaining liberal institutions and balancing liberty, markets and social welfare.
Robert L. Bastian Jr.
Partner
Law Offices of Bastian & Dini
Penthouse Suite 9025 Wilshire Blvd
Beverly Hills , CA 90211
Phone: (310) 789-1955
Fax: (310) 822-1989
Email: robbastian@aol.com
Whittier Law School
Every society rests on a social contract, explicit or implied, whereby individuals yield some freedom in exchange for order, opportunity and a promise of fairness. In the U.S. and across the West, this contract, never perfect, has generally been honored. Today, though, it's unraveling simultaneously at home and abroad.
At home, the idea of liberalism is misunderstood. Political discourse has collapsed into entertainment and spe...
For only $95 a month (the price of 2 article purchases)
Receive unlimited article access and full access to our archives,
Daily Appellate Report, award winning columns, and our
Verdicts and Settlements.
Or
$795 for an entire year!
Or access this article for $45
(Purchase provides 7-day access to this article. Printing, posting or downloading is not allowed.)
Already a subscriber?
Sign In