The Future of Free Speech: Reversing the Global Decline of Democracy’s Most Essential Freedom

The Future of Free Speech: Reversing the Global Decline of Democracy’s Most Essential Freedom

Author: Cato Institute April 9, 2026 Duration: 59:46

The Future of Free Speech confronts a stark truth: The right to speak freely is under siege. Once celebrated as a cornerstone of democratic societies, free expression is now met with growing suspicion and retaliation across the globe. 


In this bookJacob Mchangama and Jeff Kosseff present a panoramic view of how we arrived at this pivotal moment. They argue for a reinvigorated, global commitment to open dialogue and civic-minded solutions.


Join Mchangama and Kosseff for a discussion with moderator David Inserra on how free speech can meet modern challenges without abandoning its foundational role in sustaining democracy, human rights, and shared understanding.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Step inside the Cato Institute's renowned Washington, D.C. events without leaving your desk. The Cato Event Podcast brings the lecture hall and briefing room directly to you, featuring unfiltered audio from live policy forums, author discussions, and Capitol Hill briefings. Each episode captures the substance of these gatherings, where scholars, policymakers, and leading thinkers engage in detailed conversations about liberty, governance, and current affairs. You'll hear substantive debates and thoughtful commentary that cut through the noise of daily headlines, offering deeper analysis on the issues shaping legislation and public discourse. This isn't a produced studio show; it's a front-row seat to the kind of candid exchanges that happen when experts gather to challenge conventional wisdom. The Cato Institute, through this podcast, provides a direct conduit to these discussions, emphasizing a perspective rooted in individual freedom, limited government, and free markets. Tune in for a raw, intellectual experience that goes beyond soundbites, perfect for anyone who wants to understand the foundational ideas behind today's political news.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Cato Event Podcast
Podcast Episodes
The Military Balance in the Indo-Pacific, with and Without Taiwan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:05
The prospect of a Chinese invasion and conquest of Taiwan is a major focus of US–China security competition. Apart from its political, economic, and moral consequences, some US experts argue that Chinese control of Taiwa…
Panel 1: Transitioning to a Flat-Benefit System [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:04
Join us for the official launch of Reimagining Social Security: Global Lessons for Retirement Policy Changes by Romina Boccia and Ivane Nachkebia, a timely and urgent new book in which the authors rethink how America can…
Panel 2: Slowing the Growth of Social Security [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:13
Join us for the official launch of Reimagining Social Security: Global Lessons for Retirement Policy Changes by Romina Boccia and Ivane Nachkebia, a timely and urgent new book in which the authors rethink how America can…
Panel 3: Enhancing Private Retirement Savings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:24
Join us for the official launch of Reimagining Social Security: Global Lessons for Retirement Policy Changes by Romina Boccia and Ivane Nachkebia, a timely and urgent new book in which the authors rethink how America can…
Closing: Cato Social Security Model Presentation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:04
Join us for the official launch of Reimagining Social Security: Global Lessons for Retirement Policy Changes by Romina Boccia and Ivane Nachkebia, a timely and urgent new book in which the authors rethink how America can…
Welcoming Remarks and the Vision for Liberty - Cato On Tour Oct. 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:15
Please join us for a cocktail reception and conversation in NYC this fall. We are pleased to have New York Post columnist and author Rikki Schlott in conversation with Cato vice president for general economics and Stiefe…
A Costly Distraction: US–China Competition in the Middle East [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:34
The United States continues to allocate substantial military and diplomatic resources to counter Chinese influence in the Middle East. However, Beijing has shown little interest in assuming a dominant security role in th…