Ideas for
Prosperity

Tomorrow’s leaders need better, bolder ideas about how to make our society freer and more prosperous. That’s why the Civitas Institute exists, plain and simple.

Through research, commentary, and public outreach, we explore all aspects of a free and vibrant society, including economic dynamism, individual flourishing, civic virtue, and constitutionalism.

Independent thought, civil discourse, free speech, reasoned deliberation and intellectual curiosity are central to our ethos.

The Civitas Institute takes its name from The University of Texas at Austin motto,  Disciplina Praesidium Civitatis, a condensed Latin rendering of Mirabeau Lamar’s famous statement that a “cultivated mind is the guardian genius of democracy.”

This origin reflects both the university’s institutional heritage and the Institute’s interest in the link between knowledge and liberty.

Our history

July 2022
  • Following its formation by the University of Texas System Board of Regents, the Civitas Institute launches with Justin Dyer as founding director
July
2022
May 2023
  • Civitas becomes part of UT Austin’s newly established School of Civic Leadership
May
2023
September 2023
  • Ryan Streeter joins Civitas as executive director
September
2023
March 2024
  • Following a national search, Justin Dyer becomes dean of the School of Civic Leadership
March
2024
March 2024
  • In partnership with UT Austin’s College of Liberal Arts and the University of Austin (UATX), Civitas hosts Civil Discord, a series of moderated arguments featuring some our nation’s best scholars and writers
March
2024
May 2024
  • Civitas hosts The Austin Symposium, a gathering of top scholars interested in increasing dynamism in America and reversing stagnation wherever it is found
May
2024
December 2024
  • Civitas launches its online magazine, titled Civitas Outlook, and begins publishing commentary for a general readership
December
2024
Our team

We are dedicated to exploring the ideas and institutions that create flourishing societies.

Meet the team
The latest from

Civitas Outlook

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Why Reciprocal Trade Negotiations Will Fail

Reciprocal trade agreements are doomed mainly because the division of labor creates huge gains through specialization.

Richard Epstein
Economic Dynamism
Apr 30, 2025

When Life Becomes Unending Variations on Disease

Are we getting sicker?

Ronald W. Dworkin
Pursuit of Happiness
Apr 30, 2025

The Ukraine-Russia Symposium

What does Ukraine mean to America?

Richard Reinsch
Politics
Apr 29, 2025

How Trump Should Answer Putin’s Foot-Dragging

Although Russia possesses the strategic initiative, its advantage over Ukraine isn’t decisive and can be eroded.

John Hardie
Politics
Apr 29, 2025

Ukraine's Cause Can Be Vindicated

Ukraine's cause for national freedom remains possible if America and Europe resolve to thwart Russian aggression.

Max Prowant
Politics
Apr 29, 2025
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