

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

Feb 22, 2024 • 14min
Dollarization at the End of the Javier Milei Honeymoon
Exploring Javier Milei's halt in reforms and focus on dollarization in Argentina to combat inflation. Insights on legislative challenges and potential benefits of adopting dollarization from Ecuador. Analyzing risks and credibility of Argentina's approach to currency control.

Feb 21, 2024 • 11min
Has US Middle East Policy Failed?
Analyzing the flaws in US Middle East policy, focusing on military reliance and backing oppressive regimes. Discussing the need for a shift towards reducing military presence and arms sales. Exploring US relations with Saudi Arabia and Israel, highlighting strategic alliances and mutual security guarantees.

5 snips
Feb 20, 2024 • 16min
State Fiscal Health and Cost‐Saving Strategies
Exploring state fiscal health post-pandemic, increased debt expenses, and cost-saving strategies. Discussion on challenges of implementing cost-saving measures, pension reform, and workforce transitions in transit systems. Examining fiscal responsibility in states like Utah, Idaho, Florida, Texas, and California for national economic health.

Feb 19, 2024 • 17min
The President's Odd and Expansive Conception of "Junk Fees"
A discussion on the concept of 'junk fees' highlighted by the president, exploring surprise charges like service fees at restaurants. Debates on the economic rationale behind these fees, their impact on consumers, and the Biden administration's strategy to regulate them in industries like airlines and hotels.

Feb 16, 2024 • 14min
The Broken Budget Process Demands Fixes Big and Small
Discussing the broken budget process in Congress and the need for reforms. Exploring the misuse of emergency spending, particularly in defense. Advocating for stricter guidelines to ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability. Emphasizing the importance of raising the voting threshold for emergency spending to enforce spending cuts.

Feb 15, 2024 • 18min
97% of Green Card Applications Will Not Get Approved This Year
Explore the remarkably low approval rate for green card applications in the United States. Learn about the historical evolution of U.S. immigration policy and its impact on admission rates. Discover the high demand for green cards and the restrictive nature of the immigration system. Delve into the cost of obtaining a green card and how it could potentially reduce illegal immigration. Find out about the proposed solution to the green card backlog and its potential impact on assimilation and population growth.

Feb 14, 2024 • 10min
Frederick Douglass among Heroes of Progress
Author Alexander Hammond details the contributions that puts Frederick Douglass in the ranks of the Heroes of Progress. This chapter explores Frederick Douglas' advocacy for equality, his life from slavery to activism, and the remarkable contributions of unsung heroes in various fields.

Feb 13, 2024 • 12min
How Committed Is the US to NATO?
Analyzing the US commitments to NATO and the implications of disregarding them. Discussion on flaws of NATO, need for unified European defense. Analyzing Trump's approach toward European countries not paying enough to NATO and the anxiety it caused. Consequences of social media politics and proposals for balancing European security.

Feb 13, 2024 • 11min
Congress Should Reject the OECD's Planned Tax Cartel
The podcast discusses the OECD's plan to create an international tax cartel and why Congress should reject it. They delve into the complexities of global business operations and profit shifting, as well as the impact of international tax standards on innovation. The potential negative effects on companies and the potential hindrance to competition and growth are also explored.

11 snips
Feb 12, 2024 • 13min
Biden's Liquefied Natural Gas Export "Pause" Makes No Sense
The podcast discusses the Biden administration's decision to pause LNG exports, the US's transition from importer to exporter, and the benefits of US LNG export. It also explores the emissions implications of LNG and the political motivations behind the pause on LNG export approvals.