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, 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 13

Blood Oil: Tyrants, Violence, and the Rules that Run the World

Featuring the author Leif Wenar, Chair of Philosophy and Law, King’s College London; with comments by Ian Vásquez, Director, Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity, Cato Institute; and Bruce W. Jentleson, Professor of Public Policy and Political Science, Duke University and Kissinger Chair in Foreign Policy and International Relations, Kluge Center, Library of Congress; moderated by Christopher A. Preble, Vice President, Defense and Foreign Policy Studies, Cato Institute.

12:00PM to 1:30PM
 Hayek Auditorium

January 25

America’s Invisible Wars

Featuring Emma Ashford, Visiting Research Fellow, Cato Institute; Bronwyn Bruton, Deputy Director, Africa Center, Atlantic Council; Charles Schmitz, Professor, Towson University, and Vice President, the American Institute for Yemeni Studies; and Moeed Yusuf, Director, South Asia Programs, United States Institute of Peace; moderated by Mark Mazzetti, Correspondent, New York Times.

11:00AM to 12:30PM
 Hayek Auditorium

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