

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

Nov 17, 2023 • 23min
Expiring Authority for Warrantless Surveillance Meets Resistance
A bipartisan group in Congress is pushing for surveillance reform before reauthorization, including a warrant requirement and more oversight. The podcast discusses criticism of electronic surveillance and limitations of proposed bills. It also highlights instances of abuse and lack of oversight. Concerns about government actions to bypass expiration and proposals for a data-driven approach are also discussed.

Nov 13, 2023 • 18min
The New Right Gets Mugged by an Old Reality
The podcast explores the impact of heavy-handed government approaches to trade and regulation, skepticism towards government intervention, and the unrealistic nature of the new right's support for industrial policy and antitrust regulation. It also discusses the fallacy of political gaming in free market and interventionist policies, highlighting how only interventionist policies maintain or expand the government's role in the economy.

Nov 10, 2023 • 24min
Free Speech: What Everyone Needs to Know
Explore changing Supreme Court perspectives on freedom of speech, the importance of free speech for non-US citizens on college campuses, concept of viewpoint neutrality in free speech, accountability of private universities to First Amendment commitments, and the Supreme Court's decision on donor lists and freedom of association.

Nov 8, 2023 • 10min
An Expulsion of Afghans from Pakistan
The podcast discusses the forced exodus of Afghans from Pakistan and its implications on the domestic politics of Pakistan. It explores the reasons behind the expulsion, including Pakistan's weak state, high inflation, debt issues, and rise in terrorist attacks. The lack of a relationship between the Afghan population in Pakistan and violence or terrorism is examined, along with the overwhelmed capacity of the UNHCR office. The complex dynamic between the US and Pakistan, and the impact of US policy in the region, are also debated.

Nov 7, 2023 • 18min
The Trouble with Methadone Clinics
The podcast explores the shortcomings of the methadone clinic system and proposes an alternative pharmacy dispensing system. It criticizes the clinic system for being a mechanism of government control, advocates for doctors to stand up against the DEA, and calls for pharmacies to dispense methadone for addiction. The chapter examines the role of police and lawmakers in practicing medicine and emphasizes the need for their removal. It discusses the mistreatment of patients in methadone clinics and advocates for the elimination of the clinic system.

Nov 6, 2023 • 14min
Recovery and the Unfulfilled Promises of Obamacare
This podcast explores the unfulfilled promises of Obamacare, discussing rising health insurance prices, gaps in the system, and the need for reform that puts individuals in control of their healthcare decisions. It also examines the relationship between health insurance and universal healthcare, the impact of falling prices on making healthcare more universal, and how health insurance affects the patient experience by focusing on negotiating prices instead of providing transparent pricing.

Nov 6, 2023 • 1h 2min
Government Censorship by Proxy
This podcast explores the challenges of government pressure on social media content policies and regulation, including government censorship by proxy. It discusses examples such as Operation Choke Point and social media censorship during the pandemic. The podcast proposes a transparency-focused approach to address government censorship and explores the potential penalties for government officials engaging in inappropriate use of government pressure. It also delves into the government's strategies in combating misinformation on social media and the impact of government communication on content moderation decisions.

Nov 2, 2023 • 13min
Biden's Big, Early Move to Regulate Artificial Intelligence
Jennifer Huddleston and Jack Solowey discuss the implications of Biden's executive order on regulating AI, including the need for a new regulatory framework, existing laws addressing AI risks, and bias mitigation. They also explore balance between regulation and technological growth and ongoing debates in Congress.

Nov 1, 2023 • 10min
US Weapons Arm Both Israeli and Hamas Fighters
Discussion on the use of US weapons by Israel and Hamas, the consequences of weapons transfers, and the challenges faced by US policymakers in managing their use by foreign nations.

Oct 31, 2023 • 15min
A Mindset for Embracing Educational Freedom
This podcast discusses the importance of educational freedom and school choice programs. It explores concerns about government control in education and emphasizes the need to respect parents' choices. The ideal program for educational freedom is discussed, along with the dangers of contractor-run education choice programs. The impact of educational fads on K-12 education is explored, and alternative approaches are suggested for diverse learning opportunities.


