Policy Report

An End and a Beginning

September/October 2023 • Policy Report

Dear Cato Institute Sponsors and Friends,

On my first day at Cato, I was the most nervous I’ve been since taking this role. I fielded questions from the entire Cato staff, knowing they would be the most discriminating audience a new CEO could possibly face. The question I most anticipated came quickly: “What are you going to change?” I’ve previously shared my response to this question, which was, “I don’t know; I just got here.” I didn’t come to Cato with a list of things to change, and after all, I had a lot to learn. But I knew that things would change because great organizations—and I count Cato among the greatest there is—must build upon their solid foundations to become even better.

To that end, and after much consideration and careful evaluation, we have decided to bring an end to our esteemed Cato Policy Report, a publication that has been at the heart of our mission for many years.

For over four decades, Cato Policy Report has consistently brought readers principled research, policy analysis, relevant commentary, and most important, news of Cato’s impact— made possible by your generosity. It has served as an important and reliable source of information for policy enthusiasts and dedicated libertarians alike. We are immensely proud of the impact it has had, the ideas it has advanced, and the readers it has enlightened.

It is crucial for us to adapt and innovate, even while we hold firm to the principles and commitments that set Cato apart from the other organizations in Washington, DC. We have always been at the forefront of intellectual exploration and the pursuit of a freer society, and it is in that spirit that we move forward and strategically look to reach a wider audience with our vision for liberty. So it is with great excitement and anticipation that I can announce a new Cato publication—a key product that will build upon the foundation laid by the Cato Policy Report and elevate our ideas, influence, and impact to have the greatest reach possible.

This new magazine will provide a broader scope of content, including in‐depth policy research, interviews with leading thinkers, stories from the victims of an ever‐growing state, insightful commentary on current events from a libertarian perspective, and news of Cato’s impact, development, and strategy. The content will always be placed in the context of the principled, moral foundation on which the Institute and our mission rest. We believe that this magazine not only will inform and inspire our existing readership but also will attract new audiences and foster a wider understanding of the principles that underpin a free and prosperous society.

The world is grappling with a host of complex challenges, from the erosion of individual rights to the expansion of government power. As the Cato Institute has done throughout its history, we remain committed to providing intellectual ammunition in the battle for liberty. The new publication will be a powerful tool in our arsenal, equipping us all with the knowledge, analysis, and arguments necessary to defend and advance the cause of liberty.

While we bid farewell to the Cato Policy Report, its legacy will endure. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the authors, contributors, and readers who made it a resounding success. In particular, we recognize and thank David Boaz, whose stewardship of and contributions to the Cato Policy Report defined its commitment to excellence. We will honor this legacy by ensuring that the principles it championed continue to be at the heart of everything we do at the Cato Institute.

As we embark on this exciting new chapter, we invite you to join us on this journey. Your support and engagement have been invaluable to us, and we are confident that the magazine will deepen our connection and provide even greater value to our community of supporters.

Thank you for your unwavering support, and I hope you share in my enthusiasm for this new venture. Together, let us continue to champion the ideas of liberty and forge a path toward a freer and more prosperous future.