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, 2024 • 16min
How Do Europe's Speech Restrictions Impact US Speakers?
Exploring Europe's speech restrictions and their impact on US speakers, including the interplay between Europe's regulations and the US free speech debate. Discussing the differences in speech restrictions in European countries, grassroots pushback against these laws, and the concerns of a balkanized internet. Examining the targeting of large online platforms and the potential consequences on technological innovation.
Jan 18, 2024 • 13min
Will China's Military Dysfunction Buy Taiwan Time to Build Its Defenses?
Taiwan should arm up according to Cato's Eric Gomez. Corruption in China's military could give Taiwan time to build up defenses. The podcast explores China's military dysfunction, its impact on Taiwan, and the US responsibility for Taiwan's defense.
Jan 15, 2024 • 20min
National Rifle Association v. Vullo
Exploring New York's policies against the NRA and the First Amendment implications, questionable actions by state officials in the NRA v. Vullo case, parallels with government censorship of social media, consequences of government pressure and settlements, and the influence of regulatory agencies on businesses and the need for clear rules.
Jan 12, 2024 • 16min
The SEC's Embarrassing Hack Should Deliver Greater Scrutiny
Analyzing the recent hack of the SEC's Twitter account and its impact on the agency's regulatory role, questions of credibility, approval of Bitcoin ETFs and its implications, the need for objective criteria in SEC approvals for crypto ETFs, security concerns surrounding the SEC's data collection and the Consolidated Audit Trail
Jan 11, 2024 • 12min
New Punitive Crypto Rules Attack Financial Privacy
Exploring a new federal law imposing fines and jail time for failure to report cryptocurrency transactions. Recent amendment to the Internal Revenue Code mandates reporting of transactions of $10,000 or more. Debate surrounding provisions aimed at increasing tax revenue and restrictions on cryptocurrency usage. Opposition to the law due to privacy concerns and constitutional issues. Implications of new punitive crypto rules on financial privacy and concerns about unlimited government surveillance.
Jan 11, 2024 • 13min
Farm Bill Sows Dysfunction for American Agriculture
This podcast explores the negative impacts of farm subsidies and crop insurance on American agriculture, including monoculture farming, limited farmer flexibility, and a less adaptable food system. The importance of independent decision-making and the benefits of separating from subsidies are highlighted through real-life examples.
Jan 10, 2024 • 15min
Tech Regulation and Legal Challenges in 2024
Exploring the state of tech regulation in 2024, this podcast examines efforts to control big tech, challenges faced by lawmakers in writing regulations, state-level attempts to implement regulatory structures, legal challenges faced by tech platforms, and the potential negative effects of state-level regulations on free speech and smaller innovators.
Jan 9, 2024 • 25min
Nitazenes and the Consequences of Drug Prohibition
The podcast explores the emergence of nitazenes, a highly potent synthetic opioid, and the rise in nitazene overdoses. It discusses the need for a shift in drug policy towards legalization and harm reduction, as well as the consequences of drug prohibition and the need for state intervention in overdose prevention.
Jan 5, 2024 • 10min
The Milei Agenda for Argentina So Far
Exploring President Maláy's recent deregulation measures in Argentina and the need for approval from Congress. Discussion on the president's decree and the misconception of it being authoritarian. The elimination of a state-owned airline and the controversial privatization agenda. Exploration of the key components of economic deregulation and concerns for future governments.
Jan 4, 2024 • 12min
The Influence of Herbert Spencer
Herbert Spencer, a sociologist ahead of his time in dealing with modern political economy issues, is discussed. Topics covered include his influences, family background, dissenting tradition in England, evolution, encounters with radical libertarian thinkers, social Darwinism, international recognition, decline, specialization of science, shifting evolutionary theories, decline of liberalism, and his emphasis on clarity in writing.
