Category: Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Content

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Mar 16, 2026

Weakening democratic checks and regional insecurity put Benin’s future at risk

By Gilles Olakounlé Yabi

Benin’s democratic gains since 1990 have eroded over the past decade amid growing executive centralization, shrinking political competition, and rising insecurity. Renewing strong institutions and political openness is key to shared prosperity.

Africa Elections

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 23, 2026

When growth outpaces accountability: Political volatility in the Philippines

By Cesi Cruz

Economic growth in the Philippines has largely taken place in the absence of sustained political stability. Political rights and accountability swing sharply with changes in leadership. The task ahead is to ensure that economic progress deepens democratic accountability.

Corruption Elections

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 20, 2026

Tunisia needs both bread and freedom

By Ameni Mehrez

Tunisia was one of the Arab Spring's success stories, with dramatic increases in political freedom after the 2011 uprising. Fifteen years on, the country's experience shows how intertwined freedom and prosperity are. With economic opportunity not matching the increases in political voice, frustration and unrest has followed.

Democratic Transitions Fiscal and Structural Reform

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 12, 2026

A year into its post-Assad era, Syria needs a ‘rules-first’ reset

By Ibrahim Al-Assil

In Syria, relief coexists with unease about what comes next. How can Ahmed al-Sharaa restore a state devastated by a quarter century of authoritarianism, corruption, and civil war? Building a government and economy that work for all Syrians is the only way forward.

Economy & Business Freedom and Prosperity

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Jan 9, 2026

Singapore must shift from state-led expansion to productivity-led growth

By Linda Y.C. Lim

Singapore’s GDP has tripled since the 1990s. Now the city-state needs a new social compact that matches its high-income status. Creating space for productivity, entrepreneurship, and open debate will decide whether Singapore’s prosperity benefits more Singaporeans—or becomes increasingly fragile.

Economy & Business Freedom and Prosperity

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Dec 23, 2025

Serbia’s future depends on rebuilding rule of law and EU credibility

By Richard Grieveson

After a full year of antigovernment protests, Belgrade faces a sustained challenge to the status quo. The corruption that drew protestors to the streets also stifle growth and imperil political freedom in the country. Restoring a credible path to EU accession would be the single most powerful external incentive for change.

Europe & Eurasia Freedom and Prosperity

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Dec 19, 2025

Colombia needs a strong private sector—and renewed government institutions at the helm

By José Manuel Restrepo

Colombia’s institutions brought stability, yet corruption, insecurity, and widespread informality still undermine trust and limit prosperity. Renewed fiscal discipline, stronger territorial governance, and revived institutional dialogue are essential for translating Colombia’s hard-won freedoms into inclusive and enduring growth.

Colombia Energy Transitions

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Mar 7, 2025

Mexico’s fork in the road: Rule of law or authoritarian shift? 

By Vanessa Rubio-Márquez

When freedom declines, prosperity tends to follow—a trend observed not only in Latin America but worldwide. Yet Mexico appears to be an exception. The country is experiencing rising prosperity despite increasing restrictions on freedom. However, further centralization of political power could ultimately hinder progress.

Economy & Business Elections

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Mar 5, 2025

Foreword: Protecting global freedom in an age of rising autocracy

By Edward L. Glaeser

Geopolitical shifts are weakening Western democracies, technology is reshaping governance, and authoritarianism is on the rise. How will these developments affect the world—and are there pockets of progress that remain? This foreword examines the state of global freedom, setting the stage for the country reports than follow.

Democratic Transitions Economy & Business

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 28, 2025

Building balanced institutions for prosperity

By Ignacio Campomanes, Annie (Yu-Lin) Lee, Joseph Lemoine

This overview chapter explores the institutional evolution of each country and contextualizes these insights within the broader economic and political science literature on institutions and development. As global instability rose in 2024, longstanding governance challenges that had been intensifying over the past decade became increasingly evident.

Corruption Economy & Business
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