Cato Podcast

A man currently on death row in Texas is probably innocent, and it’s taken more effort than you might hope to get his case re-examined. Republican State Rep. Brian Harrison comments on the legislature’s temporary delay to Robert Roberson’s execution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The work of judges is often opaque to the public and poorly understood generally, and yet voters are regularly expected to vote on them. Clint Bolick of the Arizona Supreme Court makes his case for a better way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Biden administration's FTC has earned the ire of many who support a more freewheeling business sector. Would a Harris administration maintain that skepticism toward big business? Or are those ideas about punishing big companies more suited to Team Trump? Jennifer Huddleston comments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa Brown Calder, an expert in reproductive policy, dives into the heated debate surrounding in vitro fertilization and its ethical implications post-Dobbs decision. She critiques the endorsement of federal subsidies by political figures, arguing against the economic drawbacks and regressive impacts on income distribution. Discussions also explore the ethical dilemmas of embryo loss and the complexities of existing family policies. Calder emphasizes the need for reforms to genuinely support families striving for larger households in today's challenging environment.

Eric Mack, Professor Emeritus at Tulane University, dives into the lasting impact of Robert Nozick's landmark book, 'Anarchy, State, and Utopia', marking its 50th anniversary. Mack discusses the philosophical clash between Nozick and John Rawls, particularly on justice theories and individual rights vs. societal good. He elaborates on the debate over economic distribution and the idea of minimal state intervention while advocating for personal freedoms. Their conversations reflect on the book's relevance today and its continued influence on libertarian thought.

Doug Bandow, a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, dives into the surprising involvement of North and South Korean soldiers in the Ukraine conflict. He unpacks the risks this poses to U.S. interests and global alliances amid escalating military tensions. Bandow discusses South Korea's careful position and the intricate relationships shaping the conflict. He highlights the need for cautious diplomacy to prevent unintended consequences and suggests that sports could provide a peaceful way to resolve international disputes.

Congress has broadly delegated its tariff powers to the president. There is a real risk that the legislative and judicial branches would not check a future president’s abuse of US trade law as currently written. Cato's Clark Packard provides details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Bier, a scholar at the Cato Institute, dives into the world of digital nomads—remote workers thriving without a fixed home. He highlights the unclear rules that make the U.S. less inviting for these travelers. The discussion emphasizes the need for clearer immigration policies to support digital nomads, who contribute positively to the economy. Bier also sheds light on the challenges they face, including the absence of dedicated visas and inconsistent responses from consular officers regarding their work. A call for a more inclusive approach follows.

Jai Kedia, a research fellow at the Cato Institute specializing in monetary policy, dives deep into the evolving role of the Federal Reserve's federal funds rate. They discuss how the rate’s influence has waned since the 2008 financial crisis and question its continued relevance in today's economy. Kedia emphasizes the need to focus on alternative metrics like reserve rates and advocates for restoring the federal funds rate as an effective monetary tool. The insights challenge common perceptions and offer a fresh perspective on monetary policy.

China's irregular military exercises around Taiwan express Beijing's displeasure with Taiwanese leadership, so how seriously should the US take those demonstrations? Eric Gomez comments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.