The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization — a think tank – dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues.

Founded in 1977, Cato owes its name to Cato’s Letters, a series of essays published in 18th- century England that presented a vision of society free from excessive government power. Those essays inspired the architects of the American Revolution. And the simple, timeless principles of that revolution — individual liberty, limited government, and free markets – turn out to be even more powerful in today’s world of global markets and unprecedented access to information than Jefferson or Madison could have imagined. Social and economic freedom is not just the best policy for a free people, it is the indispensable framework for the future.

Cato Institute headquarters

How Cato Is Funded

In order to maintain its independence, the Cato Institute accepts no government funding. Cato receives approximately 80 percent of its funding through tax-deductible contributions from individuals, with the remainder of its support coming from foundations, corporations, and the sale of books and publications.

Cato’s Resources & Outreach

In an era of sound bites and partisanship, Cato remains dedicated to providing clear, thoughtful, and independent analysis on vital public policy issues. Using all means possible — from blogs, Web features, op-eds and TV appearances, to conferences, research reports, speaking engagements, and books — Cato works vigorously to present citizens with incisive and understandable analysis.

Events

January 17

Madmen, Intellectuals and Academic Scribblers

Featuring the authors Wayne Leighton, Professor of Economics, Francisco Marroquin University, Guatemala; and Edward Lopez, Associate Professor of Law and Economics, San Jose State University; with comments by Fred Smith, Founder and Chairman, Competitive Enterprise Institute; moderated by Ian Vásquez, Director, Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity, Cato Institute.

12:00pm Auditorium

January 29

The Libertarian State of the Union

Featuring David Boaz, Executive Vice President, Cato Institute; Alex Nowrasteh, Immigration Policy Analyst, Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity, Cato Institute; Ilya Shapiro, Senior Fellow in Constitutional Studies and Editor-in-Chief, Cato Supreme Court Review, Cato Institute; Michael Tanner, Senior Fellow, Cato Institute; moderated by Laura Odato, Director of Government Affairs, Cato Institute.

12:00pm B-329 Rayburn House Office Building