Research Fellow William J. Watkins, Jr. appeared on XMSatellite radio’s “Innovation Navigation” show to talk about his new book Patent Trolls: Predatory Litigation and the Smothering of Innovation. The cost of patent trolls is staggering, both in terms of lost work and in court costs and attorney fees. The outmoded patent system in the US is discussed, including proposals for reforming the patent system.

How much Washington’s spending is costing YOU? Enter your age, income, and education level and the calculator shows exactly what you’re paying for national defense, welfare, education, national debt, and more even federal programs, as well as the entire federal budget. Along with the calculator, the free MyGovCost iPhone and iPad mobile application contains blogs, Op-Eds, videos, and news from The Independent Institute and MyGovCost.org.

Sr. Fellow Ivan Eland appeared on WHDT TV to discuss the Nigerian school girls who were kidnapped by the terrorist organization Boko Haram.

Sr. Fellow John C. Goodman, author of Priceless: Curing the Healthcare Crisis, speaks on the Affordable Care Act during a presentation at the Heritage Foundation.

Sr. Fellow Ivan Eland appears on Canada’s CTV to analyze the recent exchange of an American Prisoner of War for five Taliban leaders held in Guantanamo Bay detention camp.

On Canada’s CTV, Sr. Fellow Ivan Eland reacts to the recent network television interview of Edward Snowden. Eland says that Snowden’s actions are a “net positive” for America as he calls attention to the NSA spying on American citizens.

May 6, 2014 George Washington University, Washington D.C.

"The long wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have sparked renewed debate about foreign policy within both political parties. William Kristol recently said that while Republicans generally agree on domestic policy, the real debate would be on foreign policy. Likewise, in the Democratic party, the more hawkish Clinton wing of the party continues its clash with the more dovish McGovernite wing. To focus on these differences, The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and The Independent Institute in Oakland, California are hosting a debate among the various foreign policy traditions. Please join us for this necessary and timely debate."

Ivan Eland is the Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute.

Henry R. Nau is the Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at George Washington University.

Michael Lind is co-founder of the New America Foundation.

Short clips from “Ron Paul: Liberty Defined”

Clip 1: “Vices Aren't Crimes” Dr. Paul talks about how governments shouldn't be the ones who decide whether vices like marijuana should be allowed, citing alcohol prohibition and the drug war as doing more harm than good.

Clip 2: “Understanding Liberty” Dr. Paul describes how real positive change comes from understanding liberty and economics.

Clip 3: “All You Have To Do Is Scare Them” Dr. Paul talks about how governments instill fear in populations through propaganda.

Clip 4: “Whistleblowers Are Heroes” Dr. Paul calls out the U.S. government for rewarding criminals and punishing whistleblowers.