Cato Podcast

Travis Fisher, Director of Energy and Environmental Policy Studies at Cato and former Department of Energy employee, discusses his role in an influential climate report. He highlights the importance of diverse scientific perspectives in climate debates. The conversation reveals how the EPA's 2009 endangerment finding affects U.S. regulations and emphasizes the need for sound economic arguments in environmental policy. Fisher advocates for a return to Congressional authority for more stable climate regulations, sparking a call for open dialogue in climate discussions.

Norbert Michel, an expert on money and finance, and Justin Logan, a defense and foreign affairs analyst, dive into the implications of Trump’s CHIPS Act and its potential for state capitalism. They debate how this role of government in the economy may threaten American liberty while discussing energy behind U.S. diplomatic efforts in Ukraine. The conversation reveals the complexities of military involvement abroad and critiques the risks of cronyism in politics, all while trying to find silver linings in a challenging policy landscape.

Explore the debate surrounding TikTok and its potential ban, weighing national security against free speech. Delve into the implications of new laws for app restrictions and the role of the Supreme Court in shaping the digital landscape. The conversation addresses the delicate balance between government power and personal liberties. Highlighting privacy concerns, it raises critical questions about social media regulation and its impact on younger users. Discover how this dynamic issue could redefine both the app market and American rights.

Clark Neily, Senior VP for legal studies at Cato, brings his expertise in police accountability to the discussion alongside Marian Tupy, Founder of humanprogress.org. They delve into the implications of increased federal law enforcement in D.C. amid rising crime and explore the resurgence of socialism in urban politics, particularly in New York. The conversation critiques the effectiveness of police during this surge and emphasizes the need for community trust in law enforcement while highlighting the clash between free market ideologies and socialist proposals.

Clark Packard, a research fellow at the Cato Institute specializing in U.S.-China relations, dives into the evolving dynamics of this complex partnership. He discusses how trade liberalization has benefitted American consumers while highlighting the tensions arising from China's rising assertiveness. The conversation reveals the paradox where economic interdependence doesn't necessarily prevent conflict and explores the challenges of U.S. foreign policy amidst a changing global power landscape.

The discussion dives into the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding the Ukraine conflict and its implications for NATO. It critically examines President Trump's aggressive new military strategies aimed at combating drug cartels in Latin America, warning of potential pitfalls reminiscent of past failures. The team also analyzes growing opposition to the Maduro regime in Venezuela and the libertarian economic reforms in Argentina under President Javier Milei, exploring their impact on regional stability and governance.

Matthew Mittelsteadt, a Technology Policy Research Fellow at the Cato Institute, joins the discussion to dive into the Trump administration's new AI Action Plan. They analyze the shift from regulatory approaches to fostering innovation in AI. The conversation highlights the balance between addressing safety risks and encouraging open-source development, especially in developing nations. Mittelsteadt also emphasizes the complexities of aligning state and federal AI regulations and the potential implications for free speech in the evolving tech landscape.

Joined by Jeffrey Miron, a Harvard professor known for his libertarian views, and Emily Ekins, Director of Polling at the Cato Institute, the discussion dives into Trump’s pressure tactics on elite universities and the Federal Reserve. They analyze the implications of such strongarm politics, questioning whether it could deepen institutional politicization or signal a shift in presidential power. Additionally, they explore public opinion on Social Security reform and the need for accountability in climate policy, shedding light on recent libertarian successes.

Peter Van Doren and David Kemp dissect the growing bipartisan push for nuclear power, probing how political dynamics shape energy policies. They reveal the harsh economic realities of nuclear plant construction and the failures of recent U.S. projects. The conversation then shifts to small modular reactors, debating their touted cost advantages and questioning whether they truly represent a silver bullet for the industry's woes. The risks of ongoing subsidies and challenges in achieving a sustainable nuclear future are also on the table.

The discussion centers on the Supreme Court's recent term and its impact on criminal law. Highlights include unanimous rulings on police use of force and accountability for federal misconduct. There’s frustration over the Court’s refusal to tackle important issues like the petty offense doctrine and felony gun rights. The hosts shine a light on the troubling reliance on plea bargains, emphasizing the erosion of defendants' rights. They conclude with a celebration of successful presidential pardons that underscore the pursuit of justice amidst systemic failures.