Founded in 1977, the Cato Institute is a nonprofit public policy research foundation. It focuses on increasing the understanding of public policies based on the principles of limited government, free markets, individual liberty and peace. The institute undertakes a publications program that includes books, monographs, briefing papers and shorter studies to examine issues in public policy debate. It hosts policy and book forums and conferences. The Cato Institute s research areas include education and child policy, energy and environment, foreign policy and national security, and immigration and labor markets. It also conducts research in the areas of internal economics and development, political philosophy, tax and budget policy, regulatory studies, and health, welfare and entitlement.