

Cato Podcast
Cato Institute
Each week on Cato Podcast, leading scholars and policymakers from the Cato Institute delve into the big ideas shaping our world: individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Whether unpacking current events, debating civil liberties, exploring technological innovation, or tracing the history of classical liberal thought, we promise insightful analysis grounded in rigorous research and Cato’s signature libertarian perspective. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 23, 2025 • 10min
Trump Trade Tactics against Canada and Greenland
Explore the intriguing dynamics of Donald Trump's trade and diplomatic strategies regarding Canada and Greenland. The discussion uncovers how presidential powers affect trade negotiations and the legal ramifications of tariffs. Historical tensions between the U.S. and Canada come to light, revealing how nationalist policies could threaten economic relations. Amidst the rhetoric, the podcast delves into the broader implications for international trade credibility.

Jan 22, 2025 • 22min
The Pardon Power's Importance amid Presidential Abuses
Clark Neily, Senior Vice President for Legal Studies at the Cato Institute and an expert on the presidential pardon power, dives into the recent abuses of this constitutional authority. He discusses the implications of blanket pardons by Presidents Biden and Trump, emphasizing the delicate balance of justice and power. Neily examines the controversial pardons related to the January 6th Capitol attack, raising critical questions about accountability and the integrity of the process. He concludes with a call for reforms to protect against potential misuse.

Jan 21, 2025 • 10min
Assessing the Nuclear Triad
Eric Gomez, a former senior fellow at the Cato Institute and nuclear policy expert, delves into the nuclear triad's critical components: air, sea, and land delivery systems. He argues for their reassessment in light of modern defense needs and emerging technologies like hypersonic weapons. Gomez also discusses the financial implications of maintaining an aging infrastructure versus the necessity of nuclear modernization. His insights challenge current deterrence strategies and emphasize the importance of realigning defense priorities with contemporary threats.

6 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 16min
Should the US Scrap the Presidency?
Should the US presidency be replaced with a prime minister? Adam Gurri of Liberal Currents entertains the idea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 17, 2025 • 13min
Supreme Court Allows TikTok Divest-or-Ban Order to Proceed
Tommy Berry, a scholar at the Cato Institute, dives into the Supreme Court's decision allowing a federal order for TikTok's potential ban in the U.S. He unpacks the implications for free speech on social media and critiques the court's reasoning with respect to intermediate scrutiny. The discussion raises important questions about the selective targeting of TikTok over other platforms and the underlying motivations tied to national security. Berry highlights the precarious balance between data privacy and free expression in the digital age.

Jan 17, 2025 • 17min
The Policy Choices that Make California Wildfires More Devastating
California wildfires are not yet fully contained, and the policy choices that led to the death and destruction deserve examination. Cato's Ryan Bourne and Steve Slivinski break down how California can improve as it rebuilds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 16, 2025 • 16min
Tiktok Users Await Looming US Ban; SCOTUS May Intervene
Join legal experts Tommy Berry, director at the Cato Institute's Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies, and Jennifer Huddleston, a senior fellow tackling constitutional issues. They dive into the looming TikTok ban, exploring the First Amendment implications and data privacy concerns. The discussion highlights how potential restrictions could affect free speech and access to global content. With a deadline approaching, they also ponder on what Supreme Court intervention might mean for users and the legal landscape surrounding tech and foreign partnerships.

Jan 15, 2025 • 14min
Opportunities for State Policymakers in 2025
As state legislatures get back to work, where are the best opportunities for getting government out of the way of civil society? Steve Slivinski has a rundown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 14, 2025 • 16min
"Dark Money" and Election Outcomes
Luke Wachob from People United for Privacy, an advocate for donor privacy and free speech, dives into the contentious world of 'dark money' in elections. He discusses how upcoming reforms may hinge on politicians' perceptions of threats posed by undisclosed funding. The conversation highlights the complex dynamics between financial backing for candidates like Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Wachob also addresses the delicate balance between political donor disclosure and free speech, revealing the potential consequences of privacy intrusions on dissenting voices.

Jan 13, 2025 • 13min
Small Entrepreneurs Left Behind by the Accredited Investor Rule
Your lack of wealth shouldn't limit your investment options, but the SEC has for decades actively prevented lower-wealth Americans from making certain investments. Nick Morgan of the Investor Choice Advocates Network and Cato's Jennifer Schulp explain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.