Who should we trust with power, and what happens when too much of it ends up in too few hands?

Join Cato University on Campus at the University of San Diego for “The Enemy Is Power: Markets, Institutions, and Liberalism,” a one-day program exploring the classical liberal case for dispersing power wherever it concentrates. Drawing on political philosopher Matt Zwolinski’s argument that the real threat to liberty is not simply “big government” but unchecked power in all its forms, students will examine how competitive markets create economic freedom, how constitutional institutions constrain the state, what the criminal justice system reveals about the dangers of unaccountable state force, and how AI and emerging technologies are creating new centers of public and private power. Apply to join Cato University for a day of serious ideas, engaging conversation, and debate around what it takes to maintain a free society.

Cato University on Campus in San Diego will be held at the University of San Diego Nexus Theater located at 5998 Alcalá Park Way, San Diego, California, 92111. Benefits include a full day of academic programming, networking opportunities, resources for further study, and a $100 travel stipend upon completion of the program.

Cato University on Campus is the Cato Institute’s regional event series for college and graduate students. Each program will explore classical liberal philosophy as a foundation for considering current policy issues. While the topics for each program will vary, the goal remains to bring together outstanding faculty and participants who share a commitment to liberty and learning, and to provide participants with an opportunity to form an enduring community through a one-of-a-kind experience.

Applicants will be notified of their status on a rolling basis. If you have any questions or need assistance applying, please email our staff at events@​cato.​org.

Applications will close on Friday, October 30, 2026 at 5:00 pm EDT.