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.

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, many of which are responding to informative direct mail solicitations and program updates. The remainder of its support comes 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, informative direct mail, 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

October 6

China’s Future Depends on a Free Market for Ideas

Featuring Weiying Zhang, Professor of Economics, Peking University, and author, The Logic of the Market: An Insider’s View of Chinese Economic Reform (Cato, 2015); with comments by Ning Wang, Senior Fellow, Ronald Coase Institute, and co-author, How China Became Capitalist (Palgrave Macmillan, 2012); moderated by Ian Vasquez, Director, Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity, Cato Institute.

12:00PM to 1:30PM
 Hayek Auditorium, Cato Institute

October 11

The Permission Society: How the Ruling Class Turns Our Freedoms into Privileges and What We Can Do about It

Featuring the author Timothy Sandefur, Vice President for Litigation, Goldwater Institute; with comments by Alan Morrison, Associate Dean and Professional Lecturer in Law, George Washington University Law School; and Stephen F. Williams, Senior Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit; moderated by Roger Pilon, Director, Center for Constitutional Studies, Cato Institute.

11:00AM to 12:30PM
 Hayek Auditorium, Cato Institute

More Events