Cato Event Podcast

Join us for a special event and live recording of Conversations with Tyler to celebrate the launch of False Dawn: The New Deal and the Promise of Recovery, 1933–1947, the highly anticipated new book by economist George Selgin.In this groundbreaking history, Selgin examines the United States’ long and difficult road to recovery from the Great Depression—and the real legacy of the New Deal. Drawing on contemporary sources and cutting-edge economic research, Selgin challenges the conventional narratives and offers a compelling reassessment of one of the most transformative periods in American economic history.Was the New Deal a bold success or a costly detour? What truly ended the Great Depression—and what lessons can we draw for today? Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from the author as he discusses his insights and the implications for economic policy and historical understanding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cato’s annual Constitution Day symposium marks the day in 1787 that the Constitutional Convention finished drafting the US Constitution. We celebrate that event each year with the release of the new issue of the Cato Supreme Court Review and with a day-long symposium featuring noted scholars discussing the recently concluded Supreme Court terms and the important upcoming cases. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cato’s annual Constitution Day symposium marks the day in 1787 that the Constitutional Convention finished drafting the US Constitution. We celebrate that event each year with the release of the new issue of the Cato Supreme Court Review and with a day-long symposium featuring noted scholars discussing the recently concluded Supreme Court terms and the important upcoming cases. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cato’s annual Constitution Day symposium marks the day in 1787 that the Constitutional Convention finished drafting the US Constitution. We celebrate that event each year with the release of the new issue of the Cato Supreme Court Review and with a day-long symposium featuring noted scholars discussing the recently concluded Supreme Court terms and the important upcoming cases. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cato’s annual Constitution Day symposium marks the day in 1787 that the Constitutional Convention finished drafting the US Constitution. We celebrate that event each year with the release of the new issue of the Cato Supreme Court Review and with a day-long symposium featuring noted scholars discussing the recently concluded Supreme Court terms and the important upcoming cases. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cato’s annual Constitution Day symposium marks the day in 1787 that the Constitutional Convention finished drafting the US Constitution. We celebrate that event each year with the release of the new issue of the Cato Supreme Court Review and with a day-long symposium featuring noted scholars discussing the recently concluded Supreme Court terms and the important upcoming cases. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Noncontiguous states and territories are disproportionally harmed by the Jones Act’s restrictions on shipping competition. Rooted in 18th-century protectionism, the law significantly increases the cost of water transportation for these shipping-dependent parts of the country when trading with each other and the US mainland. Beyond these economic costs, the Jones Act has also proven to be ineffective in meeting the country’s national security needs amidst a collapse in shipbuilding, a declining fleet, and a shortage of mariners. There is a growing and bipartisan recognition among policymakers that an overhaul of US maritime policy is sorely needed to meet the country’s economic and national security needs. This policy forum will feature Representative Ed Case (D‑HI) and Representative James Moylan (R‑GU) along with the Cato Institute’s Colin Grabow to discuss the Jones Act’s broader economic costs, national security implications, and possible reforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Financial markets are some of the most heavily regulated markets in the United States. Firms and individuals that wish to engage in financial services–related businesses face complex regulatory regimes that are overseen by a web of agencies that includes, on the federal level, several banking regulators, two markets regulators, and a consumer protection regulator. But the regulation doesn’t end there, as a host of other agencies, including state-level regulators and self-regulatory organizations, may also have oversight responsibilities. As attention has turned to ideas of government efficiency, financial regulation should not be left out of the conversation. But how should we right-size financial regulation?Our conference seeks to shed light on this question by asking: How many financial regulators is the right number? What should the balance be between federal and state financial regulation? Should the Federal Reserve shed its regulatory functions? Has federal intervention in housing finance gone too far?Join us at Cato’s Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives annual conference for an outstanding program featuring leading policymakers and experts discussing how to right-size financial regulation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Financial markets are some of the most heavily regulated markets in the United States. Firms and individuals that wish to engage in financial services–related businesses face complex regulatory regimes that are overseen by a web of agencies that includes, on the federal level, several banking regulators, two markets regulators, and a consumer protection regulator. But the regulation doesn’t end there, as a host of other agencies, including state-level regulators and self-regulatory organizations, may also have oversight responsibilities. As attention has turned to ideas of government efficiency, financial regulation should not be left out of the conversation. But how should we right-size financial regulation?Our conference seeks to shed light on this question by asking: How many financial regulators is the right number? What should the balance be between federal and state financial regulation? Should the Federal Reserve shed its regulatory functions? Has federal intervention in housing finance gone too far?Join us at Cato’s Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives annual conference for an outstanding program featuring leading policymakers and experts discussing how to right-size financial regulation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Financial markets are some of the most heavily regulated markets in the United States. Firms and individuals that wish to engage in financial services–related businesses face complex regulatory regimes that are overseen by a web of agencies that includes, on the federal level, several banking regulators, two markets regulators, and a consumer protection regulator. But the regulation doesn’t end there, as a host of other agencies, including state-level regulators and self-regulatory organizations, may also have oversight responsibilities. As attention has turned to ideas of government efficiency, financial regulation should not be left out of the conversation. But how should we right-size financial regulation?Our conference seeks to shed light on this question by asking: How many financial regulators is the right number? What should the balance be between federal and state financial regulation? Should the Federal Reserve shed its regulatory functions? Has federal intervention in housing finance gone too far?Join us at Cato’s Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives annual conference for an outstanding program featuring leading policymakers and experts discussing how to right-size financial regulation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Financial markets are some of the most heavily regulated markets in the United States. Firms and individuals that wish to engage in financial services–related businesses face complex regulatory regimes that are overseen by a web of agencies that includes, on the federal level, several banking regulators, two markets regulators, and a consumer protection regulator. But the regulation doesn’t end there, as a host of other agencies, including state-level regulators and self-regulatory organizations, may also have oversight responsibilities. As attention has turned to ideas of government efficiency, financial regulation should not be left out of the conversation. But how should we right-size financial regulation?Our conference seeks to shed light on this question by asking: How many financial regulators is the right number? What should the balance be between federal and state financial regulation? Should the Federal Reserve shed its regulatory functions? Has federal intervention in housing finance gone too far?Join us at Cato’s Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives annual conference for an outstanding program featuring leading policymakers and experts discussing how to right-size financial regulation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Financial markets are some of the most heavily regulated markets in the United States. Firms and individuals that wish to engage in financial services–related businesses face complex regulatory regimes that are overseen by a web of agencies that includes, on the federal level, several banking regulators, two markets regulators, and a consumer protection regulator. But the regulation doesn’t end there, as a host of other agencies, including state-level regulators and self-regulatory organizations, may also have oversight responsibilities. As attention has turned to ideas of government efficiency, financial regulation should not be left out of the conversation. But how should we right-size financial regulation?Our conference seeks to shed light on this question by asking: How many financial regulators is the right number? What should the balance be between federal and state financial regulation? Should the Federal Reserve shed its regulatory functions? Has federal intervention in housing finance gone too far?Join us at Cato’s Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives annual conference for an outstanding program featuring leading policymakers and experts discussing how to right-size financial regulation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Financial markets are some of the most heavily regulated markets in the United States. Firms and individuals that wish to engage in financial services–related businesses face complex regulatory regimes that are overseen by a web of agencies that includes, on the federal level, several banking regulators, two markets regulators, and a consumer protection regulator. But the regulation doesn’t end there, as a host of other agencies, including state-level regulators and self-regulatory organizations, may also have oversight responsibilities. As attention has turned to ideas of government efficiency, financial regulation should not be left out of the conversation. But how should we right-size financial regulation?Our conference seeks to shed light on this question by asking: How many financial regulators is the right number? What should the balance be between federal and state financial regulation? Should the Federal Reserve shed its regulatory functions? Has federal intervention in housing finance gone too far?Join us at Cato’s Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives annual conference for an outstanding program featuring leading policymakers and experts discussing how to right-size financial regulation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Cato education scholars Neal McCluskey, Colleen Hroncich, and Andrew Gillen for an online panel discussion on the current state of American education as students return to classrooms nationwide. Moderated by USA Today’s Zachary Schermele, this timely conversation will examine critical education policy issues, including the expansion of school choice programs, the role and effectiveness of the Department of Education, and pressing challenges facing higher education institutions.The panel will explore how empowering parents with educational freedom, reducing federal bureaucratic interference, and promoting market-based solutions can improve educational outcomes for students at all levels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest is Ildi Tillmann, a Hungary-born, New York–based photographer, author, and educator whose work spans art, documentary, narrative journalism, and commissioned photography, placing human stories in a global context. Tillmann will discuss the power of visual rhetoric to deliberate, convey ideas, and facilitate “multimodal” civil discourse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We know that the certainty of a punishment is the greatest deterrent for want to be criminals. Yet, there are neighborhoods across this country where the clearance rate for violent crimes is incredibly low—despite a large police presence. Cato’s Mike Fox and Reason’s Billy Binion will explain why that is and explore possible solutions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The dramatic outcome of the New York City mayoral primary, in which Zohran Mamdani outpaced former governor Andrew Cuomo and then clinched the win with second-choice votes from other candidates, has drawn attention to the city’s use of ranked-choice voting. Several other major cities also use ranked-choice voting, as do Maine and Alaska. What lessons does the New York City primary hold for this and other electoral reforms? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Misinformation is a widespread and serious concern within our society today. Nearly every issue we face involves claims of misinformation, as well as disinformation and otherwise misleading content. But despite being frequently framed as an existential threat, misinformation remains hard to define and measure. This event will discuss what misinformation is, whether the concern around misinformation is legitimate or reflects a panic over new expressive technologies, and what technology companies and policymakers can do to help develop knowledge, protect expression, and make progress as a society. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us at the Cato Institute for a conversation on the complex and uncertain US tariff situation and the policies’ effects, especially for the American wine and spirits industries.In Kentucky, bourbon has long been a source of local pride and economic growth, contributing $9 billion annually and supporting 23,000 jobs. Similarly, the Virginia wine industry has exploded over the past 30 years, today accounting for $1.73 billion in annual sales and more than 10,000 jobs. These industries now face economic headwinds because of US tariffs on key production inputs, foreign retaliation against their exports, and weakened distribution channels here and abroad.The challenges faced by American wine and bourbon producers are emblematic of the issues American farmers and manufacturers in many other industries must now face. This discussion will offer unique insights, examining the legal, economic, and political challenges that tariffs present as well as alternative paths forward.There will be a tasting of a variety of domestic wines and bourbons immediately following the discussion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Libertarians and conservatives often share values like individual liberty and limited government, but their approaches to key policy issues can differ sharply. From trade policy to immigration, these differences reveal deep philosophical divides. Despite frequent political alliances, the two ideologies are not interchangeable. Join us for a dynamic debate between interns from the Cato Institute and the Heritage Foundation as they explore which philosophy offers better solutions to today’s pressing public policy challenges. Don’t miss this opportunity to see how these competing worldviews stack up.HighlightsLearn About Public Policy: Augment your knowledge about major policy issues, from trade and immigration to executive authority.Delve into Political Philosophy: Gain a concise view on the alignment and distinctions between libertarianism and conservatism.Explore How Ideas Shape Policy: Acquire insight into how ideas and philosophy intersect with policymaking.Who Should AttendCollege students looking to learn about political philosophyResearchers exploring the distinct libertarian and conservative approach to public policyGeneral audiences interested in public policy issues Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Article I, Section 8 of the US Constitution grants Congress the sole power to “lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises” and to regulate commerce with foreign countries. Today, however, Congress has broadly delegated its tariff powers to the executive branch via several laws that give the president vast, discretionary authority to impose sweeping trade restrictions with little, if any, input or oversight by the other branches of government, US trading partners, or the American public. Recent tariffs increasingly call such delegations into question.Join us for a fireside chat with Rep. Suzan DelBene (D‑WA) and the Cato Institute’s Scott Lincicome on the implications of unchecked executive tariff powers and how Congress can reclaim its constitutionally mandated authority. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new wave of age-verification laws for app stores and internet services like social media have been proposed at both state and federal levels. These laws raise pressing constitutional concerns about privacy, free speech, and the proper role of government in regulating online behavior. The Supreme Court decided Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, a pivotal case challenging a requirement that users verify their age, such as by uploading government-issued identification, to access online adult content. While well-meaning adults may want to protect young people from certain harms both online and off, these proposals could also threaten to chill lawful speech, compromise privacy, and set dangerous precedents. Requiring age verification for online content could open the door to broader government controls over political speech and dissent. These burdens are felt not only by “Big Tech” but also by smaller companies that may be providing services for more specific communities. Furthermore, it’s unclear if these proposals will actually improve online safety. Are there alternative approaches that can balance the concerns of parents with the freedoms of users of all ages and the benefits of innovation? How should courts, policymakers, and parents weigh the potential trade-offs between the benefits and risks for kids and teens online? This event will explore the legal, technological, and ethical implications of age-verification laws. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Erec Smith speaks with Andrew Hartz, a practicing clinical psychologist and Founder, President, and Executive Director of the Open Therapy Institute. Hartz and Smith discuss the detrimental effect that identity politics have had on talk therapy and how the Open Therapy Institute works to remedy that effect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the hottest topics on the Hill is the future of the Department of Education and the current administration’s education priorities. As national conversations grow around school choice, federal overreach, and the role of states in shaping curricula and standards, many in Congress are reevaluating the federal government’s place in our educational system. Join us for a fireside chat with Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota and the Cato Institute’s Director for the Center for Educational Freedom, Neal McCluskey, on Congress’ role in dissolving the Department of Education. This conversation will explore efforts to return control of education to the states, empower local school districts, and ensure that parents and communities have a greater say in their children’s education. The speakers will examine policy frameworks behind dismantling the department, the feasibility of such a move, and what a post–Department of Education future might look like. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The current administration has enacted the most active immigration policy in American history, issuing unprecedented executive orders, attempting to deport one million people a year, and imposing new restrictions on legal immigration. David J. Bier, director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute, and Stuart Anderson, executive director of the National Foundation for American Policy, will provide analysis of the current administration’s policies on deportation, the rule of law, legal immigration, and the role of Congress. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for an afternoon dedicated to discussing barriers to capital formation and the solutions to break through them. Small businesses are central to the US economy. Not only are small businesses the primary generators of new jobs, but they are also the incubators of innovation and the pipeline for future large businesses. Small businesses rely on many different sources of financial support, but the capital markets play an important role in helping small businesses grow. Unfortunately, tapping the equity markets can be difficult, owing in part to the complex web of regulations and exemptions that stand between an entrepreneur and raising capital in a securities market. Small businesses face obstacles from the tiny start-up stage through the time that a company is considering accessing the public markets. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for an afternoon dedicated to discussing barriers to capital formation and the solutions to break through them. Small businesses are central to the US economy. Not only are small businesses the primary generators of new jobs, but they are also the incubators of innovation and the pipeline for future large businesses. Small businesses rely on many different sources of financial support, but the capital markets play an important role in helping small businesses grow. Unfortunately, tapping the equity markets can be difficult, owing in part to the complex web of regulations and exemptions that stand between an entrepreneur and raising capital in a securities market. Small businesses face obstacles from the tiny start-up stage through the time that a company is considering accessing the public markets. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us at the Cato Institute for an in-depth fireside chat featuring Congressman Rich McCormick and Matt Mittelsteadt, Cato policy fellow in technology. This timely conversation will explore the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity policy, and the state of AI in Congress.Join us for a discussion on the current state of AI governance at the federal and state levels, the proposal for a 10-year moratorium on state and local AI regulations (what it means, and what’s at stake), and the long-term vision for responsible, innovation-friendly AI policy in the United States.Whether you’re a policymaker, tech professional, academic, or simply interested in the future of AI regulation, this is a must-attend conversation on how to balance innovation, security, and civil liberties in the age of artificial intelligence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From declining enrollments and skyrocketing tuition to the stifling of intellectual diversity, Richard Vedder’s Let Colleges Fail exposes how centralized control, administrative bloat, and ideological orthodoxy have corroded our college campuses. But rather than lament, Vedder’s book proposes market-oriented reforms that could revive academic freedom and restore genuine competition in the world of ideas.Can higher education be saved from the grip of bureaucracy and groupthink? What policies might unleash its true potential? Don’t miss this urgent conversation between Cato research fellow Andrew Gillen and Vedder about tackling the rot and dysfunction plaguing American higher education. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NATO member states will gather June 24–26 in the Netherlands for the 2025 NATO Summit. This comes as NATO member states’ disparate interests, competing priorities, and varying perspectives on the future of Ukraine threaten the cohesion of the alliance.For both domestic and strategic reasons, US leaders from across the political spectrum seek a rebalanced alliance in which European states would take increasing responsibility for conventional deterrence on the continent. Yet while many European leaders pay homage to this idea, steps toward this objective remain halting. European officials reportedly want a cordial meeting to avoid any perceptions of disunity, while US leaders have continued to pressure allies to boost defense spending and take more responsibility for the defense of their continent.Will the United States follow through with plans to withdraw troops from Germany and Eastern Europe? How will European members respond to the US demand that they spend 5 percent of their gross domestic product on defense?Please join us for this briefing as we examine the primary themes of the 2025 NATO Summit and options for the United States to rebalance the transatlantic relationship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Proposals to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) at the state level continue to increase. Unfortunately, these proposals could potentially disrupt advances in this important technology, even if there is strong federal policy. This policy forum, which is related to an upcoming policy analysis on the topic, will explore the potential economic costs of state-level AI regulation as well as the potential barriers in the market it creates for both consumers and innovators. Are there ways state AI policy conversations may discourage or encourage the important policy conversations around AI innovation? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Competencies in Civil Discourse, Erec Smith speaks with attorney Kaitlin Puccio, Director at the UNESCO Chair in Bioethics and Human Rights. They discuss the ethical foundations of human dignity, bioethics in a pluralistic world, and how civil discourse can guide policy across cultural and ideological divides. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Competencies in Civil Discourse, I speak with Chris Bush and Joia Houheneka, the co-founders of 1776 Forward and hosts of the Free Speech Forward Podcast. 1776 Forward is a for-profit organization dedicated to sparking a cultural-political-philosophical revolution based on Philosophical Liberalism—an ideal that maximizes human freedom, flourishing, and greatness. They host the podcast "Free Speech Forward" in partnership with the Institute for Liberal Values and publish "The Philosophical Liberal" on Substack. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One hundred years ago, the US Supreme Court famously wrote, “The child is not the mere creature of the State; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations.” That ruling was Pierce v. Society of Sisters, which launched the parental rights movement that has become especially ascendant, but also controversial, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.In this special conference, we will first tackle the idea of parental rights broadly, including its application in everything from health care to public school transparency. In the second panel, we will focus on the movement perhaps most influenced by Pierce: school choice. We will conclude with a lunch and keynote speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One hundred years ago, the US Supreme Court famously wrote, “The child is not the mere creature of the State; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations.” That ruling was Pierce v. Society of Sisters, which launched the parental rights movement that has become especially ascendant, but also controversial, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.In this special conference, we will first tackle the idea of parental rights broadly, including its application in everything from health care to public school transparency. In the second panel, we will focus on the movement perhaps most influenced by Pierce: school choice. We will conclude with a lunch and keynote speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One hundred years ago, the US Supreme Court famously wrote, “The child is not the mere creature of the State; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations.” That ruling was Pierce v. Society of Sisters, which launched the parental rights movement that has become especially ascendant, but also controversial, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.In this special conference, we will first tackle the idea of parental rights broadly, including its application in everything from health care to public school transparency. In the second panel, we will focus on the movement perhaps most influenced by Pierce: school choice. We will conclude with a lunch and keynote speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can the president unilaterally impose tariffs under his emergency powers? In this webinar, legal scholars Ilya Somin, a professor at Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University who is co-counsel in the pending tariffs case VOS Selections v. Trump, and Walter Olson explore the constitutional and statutory limits of presidential authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and other statutes. They’ll discuss President Trump’s recent efforts to justify sweeping trade measures under IEEPA, examine the historical role of Congress in setting tariffs, and consider broader stakes for the separation of powers. Whether you’re a lawyer, policymaker, or interested observer, this conversation will shed light on one of the most important trade and constitutional questions of our time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has been given an unusual mandate: to end the department she has been tasked with overseeing. As out of the ordinary as that might be, it is the right mission, because the Constitution gives the federal government no authority to govern in education, and the department’s practical track record has been terrible.Join us for a very special fireside chat—shortly after the department celebrated its 45th birthday, on May 4th—where we will discuss why the department needs to go, how that can be done, the steps taken so far, and what American education would look like without a federal Department of Education. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

School and district leaders are uniquely positioned to implement interdisciplinary civil discourse as schoolwide practices that empower educators and allow for each student’s voice to be heard. By doing so, leaders build positive school cultures where students and staff bridge diverse viewpoints and have space for discussion, understanding, and reflection.In this webinar, you will hear from a panel of current educational leaders on how they build and foster civil discourse practices. They will discuss supporting educators and students and addressing concerns and challenges. Learn tips for supporting educators and planning the next steps for your community.You’ll also learn about Sphere’s new Leadership Toolkit for Civil Discourse, a collection of free resources designed to support you in getting started, planning action steps, setting goals, and more to foster civil discourse and empower educators. Our suite of new resources is designed for administrators, instructional coaches, department chairs, and other leaders to foster civil discourse at the school or district level. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tech policy has created more opportunities for entrepreneurship than just Silicon Valley startups. The availability of online platforms has empowered a new wave of entrepreneurs who might never reach household fame but who are contributing both to their own households and the greater economy. Jennifer Huddleston, a senior fellow in tech policy, speaks with two content creators about how these platforms and tech policy have impacted their businesses and changed their lives.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Competencies in Civil Discourse, Erec Smith welcomes William Deresiewicz to explore the mission of the Matthew Strother Center for the Examined Life. Together, they unpack the role of intellectual courage, liberal education, and moral seriousness in reviving thoughtful dialogue in an age of ideological conformity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Populist narratives are gaining traction across the political spectrum, claiming that free markets have failed the American middle class. Critics argue that trade, immigration, and technological change have hollowed out manufacturing jobs and created an economy that no longer works for most Americans.In Crushing Capitalism: How Populist Policies Are Threatening the American Dream, economist Norbert J. Michel challenges this bleak interpretation. Drawing on historical data and contemporary analysis, Michel argues that the American Dream is not dead—but that it is being threatened by a growing push toward industrial policy, economic restrictions, and government intervention.Americans today enjoy unprecedented levels of prosperity, upward mobility, and opportunity. Rather than retreat from free-market principles, Michel makes the case for preserving the institutions and economic freedoms that have long fueled American success.Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with the author, and the Washington Post’s Megan McArdle, as we explore the myths shaping today’s economic debates, the real story behind the rise of American prosperity, and the risks of moving away from market-driven solutions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The United States and Iran are on a collision course. Iran is closer to developing a nuclear weapon than at any point in the country’s history. Mixed messages from Washington and Tehran—coupled with rising pressure from hardliners on both sides—are complicating negotiations. Meanwhile, several flashpoints across the Middle East could set off a conflict. The prospects of American or Israeli military action against Tehran are growing, and the window for diplomacy is closing.Though serious distrust remains between Washington and Tehran and tensions are high, a deal is possible. How the Trump administration chooses to proceed will have far-reaching ramifications.Join us for a conversation with leading experts who will examine Trump’s options vis-à-vis Iran and the associated costs and benefits for each plan of action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), it was told the new energy tax credits would cost about $270 billion over a decade. Revised official estimates put the cost at multiple times that amount. But congressional scorekeepers may still be getting the long-term cost of the IRA energy subsidies wrong. Recent Cato research quantifies the IRA’s fiscal time bomb, showing how its unchecked expansion of government spending with no clear end date could cost almost $5 trillion by 2050.Join us for lunch and learn how the IRA’s calamitous environmental and fiscal effects present a rare opportunity for Congress to use these partisan subsidies to fund permanent, pro-growth tax reform in the upcoming reconciliation package. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sphere is excited to introduce a new suite of interdisciplinary globalization resources to spark discussion with students about the impacts of globalization on society and progress. Globalization has been evolving and connecting societies for centuries, but it has faced renewed attention, particularly in relation to trade and tariff policies. Through moderated discussion with Scott Lincicome, vice president of general economics and the Cato Institute’s Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies, we will explore what globalization is, what is produced, what alternatives there are, and perspectives on how individuals view global integration in the future.Following our discussion, we will examine strategies for integrating economic concepts in your class to help students analyze and evaluate the underpinnings of decisions impacting policies around topics that influence current and future global integration. We will demonstrate how you can help students visualize globalization through integrative projects in a lesson suite based on a simulated world and with standalone explainer lessons helping students understand economic concepts such as comparative advantage. Through tools, lessons, and multimedia resources, we are excited to help you bring topics explored in this webinar to your classroom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a compelling conversation with Alex Nowrasteh, Cato’s Vice President of Economic and Social Policy Studies, and Clark Neily, Senior Vice President for Legal Studies, as they discuss the alarming rise in deportations without due process and the erosion of due process protections across the United States. They’ll explore the sweeping actions of the Trump administration—what’s really happening, why it matters, and how it reflects a dangerous expansion of executive power. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Polarization threatens American democracy, deeply pervading politics, schools, and everyday life. What sits at the root of this trend and how might we turn the tide? Philosopher Robert Talisse offers a compelling examination of these issues and offers a provocative solution—civic solitude. Join the Cato Institute and Sphere Education Initiatives on April 17th at 11 am EST, in person or online, for a discussion of Talisse’s new book, Civic Solitude: Why Democracy Needs Distance.About Civic SolitudeAn internet search of the phrase “this is what democracy looks like” returns thousands of images of people assembled in public for the purpose of collective action. But is group collaboration truly the defining feature of effective democracy? Robert B. Talisse suggests that while group action is essential to democracy, action without reflection can present insidious challenges, as individuals’ perspectives can be distorted by group dynamics.The culprit is a cognitive dynamic called belief polarization. As we interact with our political allies, we are exposed to forces that render us more radical in our beliefs and increasingly hostile to those who do not share them. What’s more, the social environments we inhabit in our day-to-day lives are sorted along partisan lines. We are surrounded by triggers of political extremity and animosity. Thus, our ordinary activities encourage the attitude that democracy is possible only when everyone agrees–a profoundly antidemocratic stance.Drawing on extensive research about polarization and partisanship, Talisse argues that certain core democratic capacities can be cultivated only at a distance from the political fray. If we are to meet the responsibilities of democratic citizenship, we must occasionally step away from our allies and opponents alike. We can perform this self-work only in secluded settings where we can engage in civic reflection that is not prepackaged in the idiom of our political divides, allowing us to contemplate political circumstances that are not our own. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.