Cato Event Podcast

Libertarians and conservatives often share values like individual liberty and limited government, but their approaches to key policy issues can differ sharply. From trade policy to immigration, these differences reveal deep philosophical divides. Despite frequent political alliances, the two ideologies are not interchangeable. Join us for a dynamic debate between interns from the Cato Institute and the Heritage Foundation as they explore which philosophy offers better solutions to today’s pressing public policy challenges. Don’t miss this opportunity to see how these competing worldviews stack up.HighlightsLearn About Public Policy: Augment your knowledge about major policy issues, from trade and immigration to executive authority.Delve into Political Philosophy: Gain a concise view on the alignment and distinctions between libertarianism and conservatism.Explore How Ideas Shape Policy: Acquire insight into how ideas and philosophy intersect with policymaking.Who Should AttendCollege students looking to learn about political philosophyResearchers exploring the distinct libertarian and conservative approach to public policyGeneral audiences interested in public policy issues

Article I, Section 8 of the US Constitution grants Congress the sole power to “lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises” and to regulate commerce with foreign countries. Today, however, Congress has broadly delegated its tariff powers to the executive branch via several laws that give the president vast, discretionary authority to impose sweeping trade restrictions with little, if any, input or oversight by the other branches of government, US trading partners, or the American public. Recent tariffs increasingly call such delegations into question.Join us for a fireside chat with Rep. Suzan DelBene (D‑WA) and the Cato Institute’s Scott Lincicome on the implications of unchecked executive tariff powers and how Congress can reclaim its constitutionally mandated authority.

A new wave of age-verification laws for app stores and internet services like social media have been proposed at both state and federal levels. These laws raise pressing constitutional concerns about privacy, free speech, and the proper role of government in regulating online behavior. The Supreme Court decided Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, a pivotal case challenging a requirement that users verify their age, such as by uploading government-issued identification, to access online adult content. While well-meaning adults may want to protect young people from certain harms both online and off, these proposals could also threaten to chill lawful speech, compromise privacy, and set dangerous precedents. Requiring age verification for online content could open the door to broader government controls over political speech and dissent. These burdens are felt not only by “Big Tech” but also by smaller companies that may be providing services for more specific communities. Furthermore, it’s unclear if these proposals will actually improve online safety. Are there alternative approaches that can balance the concerns of parents with the freedoms of users of all ages and the benefits of innovation? How should courts, policymakers, and parents weigh the potential trade-offs between the benefits and risks for kids and teens online? This event will explore the legal, technological, and ethical implications of age-verification laws.

In this episode, Erec Smith speaks with Andrew Hartz, a practicing clinical psychologist and Founder, President, and Executive Director of the Open Therapy Institute. Hartz and Smith discuss the detrimental effect that identity politics have had on talk therapy and how the Open Therapy Institute works to remedy that effect.

One of the hottest topics on the Hill is the future of the Department of Education and the current administration’s education priorities. As national conversations grow around school choice, federal overreach, and the role of states in shaping curricula and standards, many in Congress are reevaluating the federal government’s place in our educational system. Join us for a fireside chat with Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota and the Cato Institute’s Director for the Center for Educational Freedom, Neal McCluskey, on Congress’ role in dissolving the Department of Education. This conversation will explore efforts to return control of education to the states, empower local school districts, and ensure that parents and communities have a greater say in their children’s education. The speakers will examine policy frameworks behind dismantling the department, the feasibility of such a move, and what a post–Department of Education future might look like.

The current administration has enacted the most active immigration policy in American history, issuing unprecedented executive orders, attempting to deport one million people a year, and imposing new restrictions on legal immigration. David J. Bier, director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute, and Stuart Anderson, executive director of the National Foundation for American Policy, will provide analysis of the current administration’s policies on deportation, the rule of law, legal immigration, and the role of Congress.

Join us for an afternoon dedicated to discussing barriers to capital formation and the solutions to break through them. Small businesses are central to the US economy. Not only are small businesses the primary generators of new jobs, but they are also the incubators of innovation and the pipeline for future large businesses. Small businesses rely on many different sources of financial support, but the capital markets play an important role in helping small businesses grow. Unfortunately, tapping the equity markets can be difficult, owing in part to the complex web of regulations and exemptions that stand between an entrepreneur and raising capital in a securities market. Small businesses face obstacles from the tiny start-up stage through the time that a company is considering accessing the public markets.

Join us for an afternoon dedicated to discussing barriers to capital formation and the solutions to break through them. Small businesses are central to the US economy. Not only are small businesses the primary generators of new jobs, but they are also the incubators of innovation and the pipeline for future large businesses. Small businesses rely on many different sources of financial support, but the capital markets play an important role in helping small businesses grow. Unfortunately, tapping the equity markets can be difficult, owing in part to the complex web of regulations and exemptions that stand between an entrepreneur and raising capital in a securities market. Small businesses face obstacles from the tiny start-up stage through the time that a company is considering accessing the public markets.