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.

Protectionist measures like tariffs often harm the very firms and people they're supposed to help. Paul Best explains in a new piece in Free Society. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Matzko discusses some of the long history of American-style mashups of faith traditions and the direction of government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kerry McDonald, a Cato adjunct scholar, discusses the explosion of educational entrepreneurship post-pandemic. She explores the rise of innovative learning environments such as micro-schools and homeschooling, particularly among minority families seeking personalized solutions. McDonald highlights the regulatory hurdles education entrepreneurs face, contrasting the progress in states like Utah with stricter policies in places like Massachusetts. She emphasizes how these challenges often stem from existing laws, advocating for more flexibility to foster diverse educational models.