Hello John,

ISI's upcoming Homecoming Weekend will be unlike previous years. On September 19–20, the headline event will be a single, in-depth roundtable discussion on the theme Golden Age Mindset: How to Restore Western Civilization.

This discussion will feature some of the most thought-provoking voices in today's conservative intellectual movement, each bringing their unique area of expertise to the table: 
 

• Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, is a historian and executive. In his most recent book, Dawn's Early Light (2024), he outlines a peaceful “Second American Revolution” that urges voters to dismantle progressive institutions and return power to the people.
   
• Rod Dreher is an American writer best known for The Benedict Option (2017), in which he urges Christians to form intentional communities to preserve traditional faith and values in an increasingly secular, post-Obergefell society. He is a leading advocate for postliberal, national conservative politics.
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• Michael Gibson is the co-founder of the 1517 Fund, a venture capital firm that built on his work co-creating the Thiel Fellowship with Peter Thiel in 2010. His firm supports entrepreneurs, scientists, and makers outside traditional academic and career paths, and he has helped launch companies like Figma and Ethereum.
   
• Mary Harrington is a British writer who rejects the modern faith in “progress,” arguing that feminism has been captured by transhumanism. She coined the term “reactionary feminism” and claims modern feminism primarily benefits a wealthy elite while commodifying women’s bodies through technologies like contraception, surrogacy, and biotech.
   
• Phillip Blond is a thought leader who champions “Red Toryism," a radical communitarian conservatism that rejects both welfare states and market monopolies, instead calling for power to be devolved to local communities. He rejects liberalism and emphasizes replacing centralized systems with traditional institutions, small businesses, and civil society groups.
   
• Nathan Pinkoski defends what he calls “actually existing postliberalism,” a claim that the liberal distinction between state and society has collapsed, and now political, economic, and cultural power are fused. He has translated controversial French authors such as Raspail and Zemmour, who defend traditional nationalism over globalization.
   
• Justin Shubow is a leading critic of modernist architecture who argues that America has abandoned beauty, virtue, and civic identity by embracing abstract, utilitarian design. He advocates for a return to classical architecture as an aesthetic and cultural counter-revolution against liberal modernism.
   
• Dan McCarthy is Editor-in-Chief of Modern Age and ISI's Director of Publications. His work focuses on conservatism's historical and philosophical roots and its latter-day branches, including the rise of modern right-wing populism.
   
• Johnny Burtka is ISI's President and CEO. His book, Gateway to Statesmanship (2024), collects writings from the “mirrors-for-princes” genre and features selections and commentary on leadership lessons throughout history from figures such as Thomas Aquinas, Machiavelli, and Churchill.
   

For the first time ever, these leading thinkers will come together in conversation, sharing their distinct perspectives and ideas at one table. This dialogue will showcase the breadth of conservative thought, illuminating tensions, disagreement, and points of convergence as they discuss how best to chart a path forward for American renewal. 

Homecoming tickets are going quickly. Guests attend for $150, and those under 30 attend for just $50. Purchase your tickets today!

Don't miss your chance to hear from these speakers as they engage in a wide-ranging dialogue on the future of American civilization.

Best,
The Intercollegiate Studies Institute