Cato Event Podcast

Following the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, communist governments crumbled throughout the Soviet bloc. By late December 1991, the Soviet Union itself ceased to exist. The pace of transition from communist dictatorship to democracy and market economics was uneven. Some countries experienced high rates of economic growth and rapid return to political freedom, while others remained stuck in poverty and authoritarianism. Which reforms worked and which did not? What were the pre-conditions for a successful transformation and what lessons can non-free societies learn from the experiences of former communist countries? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Experimental self-driving cars will be on the market by 2020 and will radically transform the 21st century. What should Washington policymakers know about the future of American mobility? How will self-driving cars affect the viability of urban transit and regional planning? What kind of regulation will be needed to protect safety and privacy? Please join us for a preview of the future of American transportation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The "Bootlegger and Baptist" theory, an innovative public-choice theory developed more than 30 years ago, holds that for a regulation to emerge and endure, both the "bootleggers," who seek to obtain private benefits from the regulation, and the "Baptists," who seek to serve the public interest, must support the regulation. Economists Adam Smith and Bruce Yandle provide an accessible description of the theory and cite numerous examples of coalitions of economic and moral interests that desire a common goal. The book applies the theory's insights to a wide range of current issues, including the recent financial crisis and environmental regulation, and provides readers with both an understanding of how regulation is a product of economic and moral interests and a fresh perspective on the ongoing debate of how special-interest groups influence politics. Please join us for an engaging discussion of why government regulation fails so often to attain the public interest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Congress authorized the arming and training of Syrian moderates to combat ISIS, it explicitly stated that this action should not be construed as an authorization for the introduction of U.S.armed forces into hostilities. Yet, on the orders of President Obama, the United States has begun bombing ISIS targets within Syria. Did the president violate the Constitution, which grants Congress the exclusive power to “declare War”? If intervention is in America’s national security interest, how should the mission be defined and how should it be achieved? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Balance sheet crises, in which the prices of widely held and highly leveraged assets collapse, pose distinctive economic challenges. In what promises to be a deeply insightful event, authors Vernon L. Smith and Steven D. Gjerstad will discuss their new book Rethinking Housing Bubbles. Their book examines causes and consequences, and with both authors’ well-known backgrounds in experimental economics, analyzes the events that led to and resulted from the recent U.S. housing bubble as a case study in the formation and propagation of balance sheet crises. The book also examines all previous downturns in the U.S. economy and documents substantive differences between the recurrent features of economic cycles and financial crises and the beliefs that public officials hold about them, especially within the Federal Reserve System. The book concludes with an examination of similar events in other countries and assesses alternative strategies to contain financial crises and to recover from them. Please join us for what promises to be a substantive, highly compelling discussion from two recognized authorities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do people borrow? An attempt to live beyond their means or income smoothing that accompanies growing prosperity? Consumer Credit and the American Economy examines the economics, behavioral science, sociology, history, law, and regulation of consumer credit in the United States. The authors look at why Americans use credit and the implications for both the American economy and government regulation. With the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, created by the Dodd-Frank Act, spreading its wings, there is perhaps no better time to have an in-depth discussion about the past and future of consumer credit. This panel features some of the leading experts in consumer financial regulation, who have served as both regulators and scholars.This event is being co-sponsored by the Federalist Society. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originalism, which has become the most prominent theory of constitutional interpretation, holds that the U.S. Constitution should be interpreted according to its meaning at the time it was enacted. In a new book that offers an innovative defense of that theory, John McGinnis and Michael Rappaport maintain that the text of the Constitution should be followed because it was enacted by supermajorities—both its original enactment and in subsequent amendments. A text approved by supermajorities has special value in a democracy because it has unusually wide support and thus tends to maximize the welfare of the greatest number. But what is originalism’s place in constitutional interpretation when the Supreme Court has created so much non-originalist precedent? Indeed, had the Court not interpreted the Constitution so freely, perhaps the nation would have resorted to the Article V amendment process more often and with greater effect. Please join us for a spirited discussion of Originalism and the Good Constitution and what this new defense of originalism means to the quest for constitutionally limited government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate Constitution Day and the publication of the thirteenth annual Cato Supreme Court Review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate Constitution Day and the publication of the thirteenth annual Cato Supreme Court Review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate Constitution Day and the publication of the thirteenth annual Cato Supreme Court Review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When government imposes new taxes, rules, or regulations, it creates outcomes that often differ from the original intent. In some cases, these outcomes are so severe that they render the policy a failure. The law of unintended consequences has taken on an increasing importance during the era of ever-expanding government, and this book explores four important examples: cigarette taxes, alcohol prohibition, the minimum wage, and federal income tax. Hall examines how the policies came into being, what underlying political considerations influenced the process, the unintended outcomes of the policies, and why many of these policies are still in place. Because many of these unintended consequences are seriously adverse, the author argues that the moral of these four key examples is that whenever a new government policy is being considered, much more detailed review must be given to the range of potential unintended consequences—a practice that is rarely or accurately undertaken. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate Constitution Day and the publication of the thirteenth annual Cato Supreme Court Review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate Constitution Day and the publication of the thirteenth annual Cato Supreme Court Review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the controversial use of military vehicles and weapons by the police in Ferguson, Missouri, President Obama ordered a review of federal programs that facilitate the flow of weaponry from the Pentagon to local police departments. These military transfers raise a host of questions. Do the police need armored vehicles, M-16s, and grenade launchers to do their job effectively? Are the Pentagon programs adequately monitored? Should no-knock police raids be rare, or routine? Please join us for a wide-ranging discussion of modern American policing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The shooting of Michael Brown by police officer Darren Wilson sparked days of protest in Ferguson, Missouri. Meanwhile, in New York City, thousands of residents have protested the violent arrest that led to Eric Garner’s death. In recent years, the Department of Justice has sought to clean up police forces in Albuquerque, New Orleans, Seattle, and Detroit. Are the tensions that boiled over in Ferguson simmering in other cities? What are the lessons to be drawn from events in Ferguson? Has American law enforcement become overly aggressive and militarized? Are minorities being treated unfairly? Is police misconduct widespread? Join us for a wide-ranging discussion about Ferguson and American policing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the wake of the 2008–2009 financial crisis a pervasive view began to emerge of banking as an inherently unstable occupation that must be tightly regulated and monitored by government agencies. Charles Calomiris and co-author Stephen Haber overturn this notion by presenting an inconvenient truth: not all countries suffer systemic banking crises. Some countries have managed to create a system that provides abundant credit without the propensity for banks to fail. So what is their secret? The answer is equally simple: The well-being of a banking sector depends on the ability of political institutions to limit rent-seeking by populist groups. Join the Cato Institute for a lively discussion of the true causes of the financial crisis and whether in light of the evidence presented by the authors the antidote (Dodd-Frank) causes more problems than it solves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When and why does the American public support war? Washington politicians and pundits often puzzle over these questions as they try to win support for their policies, but there is a large body of academic research on public opinion and war. Do events, such as casualties or the prospect of victory, affect support more, or do partisan identities or other attachments play a larger role? What sorts of arguments should hawks and doves make if they hope to win support for their views? Please join four leading political scientists as they examine the causes of public support for war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Federalist Papers, which explain America's founding principles and the practical means for securing them, were instrumental in winning the hard-fought battle to ratify the Constitution. Yet today, high-school students often find it difficult to read them, if they are even encouraged to do so. To address that problem, and to help America's future leaders to better understand the principles embedded in the Constitution, One Generation Away has published a book of essays by leading constitutional scholars that explains the central themes of the Federalist Papers in a language that upper-level high-school students of today will more easily comprehend. Please join us for a discussion of this book by two of its authors, followed by a discussion of how it may be used in the classroom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Motivated by the world's highest corporate tax rate and an aggressive form of worldwide taxation, several American companies are engaging in cross-border mergers to find tax jurisdictions with better policies. The Cato Institute will host a panel of experts on August 26 to discuss appropriate public policy responses to corporate inversions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recent events in Ferguson, Missouri raise many issues concerning American policing and the criminal justice system generally.  Join Tim Lynch for a live, online Q&A as he discusses the ongoing situation in Ferguson, including the shooting of Michael Brown; police misconduct and officer-involved shootings; the right to protest; the militarization of policing; public safety; and the role of the federal government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a recent 90-day period, there were almost 400,000 hits on Wikipedia articles about bills pending in Congress. The collaboratively edited Internet encyclopedia is a major source of information about congressional activity for average Americans. But past editing controversies have caused some of the most knowledgeable potential editors — congressional staff — to steer clear of providing information to the public this way. Wikipedia could deliver government transparency on a grand scale, positioning the public to demand better outcomes. Congressional staffers can aid that process by learning how to edit Wikipedia and how to navigate its rules around notability, neutrality, and conflicts of interest. Join us for a discussion of congressional Wikipedia editing and the sea change to government transparency it might produce. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act says its exchange subsidies, employer-mandate tax, and (to a large extent) its individual-mandate tax may be implemented only "through an Exchange established by the State." Since January, however, the IRS has been implementing those provisions (save the delay of the employer mandate) in the 36 states with exchanges established by the federal government. Four lawsuits have been filed so far challenging the IRS's actions. On July 22, the D.C. Circuit ruled in Halbig v. Burwell that the IRS has no such authority — in essence, that the Obama administration is violating the law by taxing, borrowing, and spending tens of billions of dollars to encourage people to enroll in ObamaCare. On the same day, the Fourth Circuit issued a conflicting ruling in King v. Burwell, which the plaintiffs have appealed to the Supreme Court. Two scholars who laid the groundwork for these lawsuits will explain what the two courts said, what happens next, and what Halbig and King mean for the nation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Congressional Budget Office has released its new budget outlook, and there is some good news about the recent decline in the deficit. However, the long-term fiscal outlook remains grim. Senator Johnson is leading efforts to focus Washington’s attention on the debt crisis that will occur in coming years without major spending reforms. He advocates using 30-year projections to judge proposed fiscal policy changes, and he will illustrate his findings in a PowerPoint presentation. Chris Edwards will discuss why the fiscal outlook is worse than shown in official projections and how an unreformed budget will sap growth and undermine future living standards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Cato University 2014: Summer Seminar on Political EconomyThe Cato Institute’s premier educational event, this annual program brings together outstanding faculty and participants from across the country and, often, from around the globe in order to examine the roots of our commitment to liberty and limited government, and explore the ideas and values on which the American republic was founded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Cato University 2014: Summer Seminar on Political EconomyThe Cato Institute’s premier educational event, this annual program brings together outstanding faculty and participants from across the country and, often, from around the globe in order to examine the roots of our commitment to liberty and limited government, and explore the ideas and values on which the American republic was founded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Cato University 2014: Summer Seminar on Political EconomyThe Cato Institute’s premier educational event, this annual program brings together outstanding faculty and participants from across the country and, often, from around the globe in order to examine the roots of our commitment to liberty and limited government, and explore the ideas and values on which the American republic was founded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Cato University 2014: Summer Seminar on Political EconomyThe Cato Institute’s premier educational event, this annual program brings together outstanding faculty and participants from across the country and, often, from around the globe in order to examine the roots of our commitment to liberty and limited government, and explore the ideas and values on which the American republic was founded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Cato University 2014: Summer Seminar on Political EconomyThe Cato Institute’s premier educational event, this annual program brings together outstanding faculty and participants from across the country and, often, from around the globe in order to examine the roots of our commitment to liberty and limited government, and explore the ideas and values on which the American republic was founded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Cato University 2014: Summer Seminar on Political EconomyThe Cato Institute’s premier educational event, this annual program brings together outstanding faculty and participants from across the country and, often, from around the globe in order to examine the roots of our commitment to liberty and limited government, and explore the ideas and values on which the American republic was founded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Cato University 2014: Summer Seminar on Political EconomyThe Cato Institute’s premier educational event, this annual program brings together outstanding faculty and participants from across the country and, often, from around the globe in order to examine the roots of our commitment to liberty and limited government, and explore the ideas and values on which the American republic was founded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Cato University 2014: Summer Seminar on Political EconomyThe Cato Institute’s premier educational event, this annual program brings together outstanding faculty and participants from across the country and, often, from around the globe in order to examine the roots of our commitment to liberty and limited government, and explore the ideas and values on which the American republic was founded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Republican Party continues its trek through the electoral and ideological wilderness. The party’s problems are evident. Its presidential candidates have won a majority in only one of the past six elections. Although holding the House of Representatives, the GOP leadership remains distrusted, not least with the party’s grassroots. Ed Hudgins believes a turn toward libertarian ideas and policies would bring the party philosophical coherence and sustained electoral success. Others doubt liberty should dominate the GOP’s policies or argue libertarianism has little electoral appeal to traditional Republican voters. Please join us to hear a debate that will inform the next two pivotal national elections. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Cato University 2014: Summer Seminar on Political EconomyThe Cato Institute’s premier educational event, this annual program brings together outstanding faculty and participants from across the country and, often, from around the globe in order to examine the roots of our commitment to liberty and limited government, and explore the ideas and values on which the American republic was founded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Cato University 2014: Summer Seminar on Political EconomyThe Cato Institute’s premier educational event, this annual program brings together outstanding faculty and participants from across the country and, often, from around the globe in order to examine the roots of our commitment to liberty and limited government, and explore the ideas and values on which the American republic was founded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Cato University 2014: Summer Seminar on Political EconomyThe Cato Institute’s premier educational event, this annual program brings together outstanding faculty and participants from across the country and, often, from around the globe in order to examine the roots of our commitment to liberty and limited government, and explore the ideas and values on which the American republic was founded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Cato University 2014: Summer Seminar on Political EconomyThe Cato Institute’s premier educational event, this annual program brings together outstanding faculty and participants from across the country and, often, from around the globe in order to examine the roots of our commitment to liberty and limited government, and explore the ideas and values on which the American republic was founded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Cato University 2014: Summer Seminar on Political EconomyThe Cato Institute’s premier educational event, this annual program brings together outstanding faculty and participants from across the country and, often, from around the globe in order to examine the roots of our commitment to liberty and limited government, and explore the ideas and values on which the American republic was founded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Cato University 2014: Summer Seminar on Political EconomyThe Cato Institute’s premier educational event, this annual program brings together outstanding faculty and participants from across the country and, often, from around the globe in order to examine the roots of our commitment to liberty and limited government, and explore the ideas and values on which the American republic was founded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Cato University 2014: Summer Seminar on Political EconomyThe Cato Institute’s premier educational event, this annual program brings together outstanding faculty and participants from across the country and, often, from around the globe in order to examine the roots of our commitment to liberty and limited government, and explore the ideas and values on which the American republic was founded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Cato University 2014: Summer Seminar on Political EconomyThe Cato Institute’s premier educational event, this annual program brings together outstanding faculty and participants from across the country and, often, from around the globe in order to examine the roots of our commitment to liberty and limited government, and explore the ideas and values on which the American republic was founded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Cato University 2014: Summer Seminar on Political EconomyThe Cato Institute’s premier educational event, this annual program brings together outstanding faculty and participants from across the country and, often, from around the globe in order to examine the roots of our commitment to liberty and limited government, and explore the ideas and values on which the American republic was founded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Cato University 2014: Summer Seminar on Political EconomyThe Cato Institute’s premier educational event, this annual program brings together outstanding faculty and participants from across the country and, often, from around the globe in order to examine the roots of our commitment to liberty and limited government, and explore the ideas and values on which the American republic was founded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals—known as the second-highest court in the land—has ruled in the case Halbig v. Burwell that the IRS regulation authorizing tax credits in federal exchanges was invalid. But at the center of the Halbig ruling is checking presidential power. President Obama, like an autocrat, thought he could levy taxes on his own authority.The decision also shows that the Affordable Care Act does not work as promised. Could this lead to the collapse of Obamacare? What’s the next step in the effort to replace the ACA with a free-market alternative? Cato scholar Michael Cannon—along with law professor Jonathan Adler—first drew attention to this issue in August 2011 and has been called the “intellectual father” of Halbig. Michael will update Cato Sponsors on the latest developments, chart the next move, and take your questions.Recommended Reading:"Reining in ObamaCare — and the President," by Michael F. Cannon and Jonathan H. Adler"Halbig v. Sebelius," by Jonathan H. Adler and Michael F. Cannon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Cato University 2014: Summer Seminar on Political EconomyThe Cato Institute’s premier educational event, this annual program brings together outstanding faculty and participants from across the country and, often, from around the globe in order to examine the roots of our commitment to liberty and limited government, and explore the ideas and values on which the American republic was founded.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While accounts of the 2008 Financial Crisis differ across the political spectrum, almost all accounts contain some role for our mortgage finance system. Although efforts were made in the Dodd-Frank Act to improve mortgage standards, these requirements were modest at best and ignored the vast guarantees and moral hazard behind our current system. Join our panel to discuss the history of our current mortgage finance system and what must be done to avoid future crises. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four years after the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Financial Protection Act (Dodd-Frank) was signed into law, there are many open questions about what the Act has achieved and what lies ahead for the U.S. financial system. This two-day conference, hosted jointly by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and the Cato Institute, explores some of the most hotly debated aspects of financial regulation and policies to improve financial markets in a post-Dodd-Frank world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four years after the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Financial Protection Act (Dodd-Frank) was signed into law, there are many open questions about what the Act has achieved and what lies ahead for the U.S. financial system. This two-day conference, hosted jointly by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and the Cato Institute, explores some of the most hotly debated aspects of financial regulation and policies to improve financial markets in a post-Dodd-Frank world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four years after the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Financial Protection Act (Dodd-Frank) was signed into law, there are many open questions about what the Act has achieved and what lies ahead for the U.S. financial system. This two-day conference, hosted jointly by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and the Cato Institute, explores some of the most hotly debated aspects of financial regulation and policies to improve financial markets in a post-Dodd-Frank world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four years after the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Financial Protection Act (Dodd-Frank) was signed into law, there are many open questions about what the Act has achieved and what lies ahead for the U.S. financial system. This two-day conference, hosted jointly by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and the Cato Institute, explores some of the most hotly debated aspects of financial regulation and policies to improve financial markets in a post-Dodd-Frank world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four years after the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Financial Protection Act (Dodd-Frank) was signed into law, there are many open questions about what the Act has achieved and what lies ahead for the U.S. financial system. This two-day conference, hosted jointly by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and the Cato Institute, explores some of the most hotly debated aspects of financial regulation and policies to improve financial markets in a post-Dodd-Frank world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.