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2025 Atlas

Freedom and prosperity around the world

2024 has seen escalating global crises, shifting alliances, and over half of the world’s population voting in national elections. In this Atlas, twenty leading economists, scholars, and diplomats analyze the state of freedom and prosperity in sixteen countries around the world, looking back not only on a consequential year but across twenty-nine years of data on markets, rights, and the rule of law.

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2024 Atlas

Freedom and prosperity around the world

The contemporary geopolitical landscape is marked by a series of crises—economic downturns, geopolitical tensions, and global pandemics—that have reshaped the role of governments worldwide. This comprehensive volume, featuring insights from twenty leading economists and diplomats, serves as a roadmap for navigating the complexities of contemporary governance. 

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Content

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Jan 16, 2025

Policy uncertainty looms in Canada as Trudeau resigns

By Randall Morck

With its prime minister of nine years stepping down and Donald Trump’s recent victory across the border, Canada faces a period of political uncertainty. In 2025, the nation must navigate contentious policy debates on immigration, healthcare, and trade relationships, all while preparing for a pivotal election.

Economy & Business
Education

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Jan 9, 2025

Morocco’s government must foster greater economic competition

By Rabah Arezki

While Morocco has made notable strides to enhance freedom and prosperity in the past three decades, the government must address pervasive corruption and encourage greater economic competition to build on recent progress.

Civil Society
Corruption

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Jan 8, 2025

Venezuela’s 2024 stolen election compounds challenges to stability and democratic renewal

By Sary Levy-Carciente

The 2024 Venezuela elections mark a pivotal choice for the country's future. The nation faces two distinct paths: continued instability and restricted freedoms or democratic reforms that restore political rights, drive economic recovery, and reintegrate Venezuela into the global community. A comprehensive recovery plan focused on dignity, accountability, and economic transformation offers a clear path toward renewal and prosperity.

Democratic Transitions
Elections

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

China must spread its wealth to reach equality

By Johanna Kao

Despite phenomenal growth in GDP, Chinese people have seen only modest gains (if any) across a range of freedom and prosperity indices. The Chinese Communist Party has failed to share the benefits of the country’s upward economic trajectory equally among its citizens.

China
Civil Society

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Climate crisis fuels change in MENA region

By Rabah Arezki

The region faces economic and political transitions amid geopolitical risks, climate change, and energy market shifts. Escalating conflicts are exacerbating instability. Climate change poses existential threats, intensifying water crises and domestic tensions. Socioeconomic transformation will be vital to meet youth aspirations and tackle polarization.

Climate Change & Climate Action
Economy & Business

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

EU’s future prosperity will be marked by war in Ukraine

By Simeon Djankov

The EU’s freedom and prosperity dynamics will be marked by the war in Ukraine. The indexes provoke philosophical reflection: Is Europe's prosperity dwindling due to an extensive social safety net? Is the strength of European integration declining with new members, while the strength of EU federalism diminishes?

Europe & Eurasia
European Union

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Sub-Saharan Africa grapples with development imperatives

By William Easterly

Sub-Saharan Africa confronts urgent development challenges, including the imperative for democratization and institution building, amid critical security concerns. With declining foreign support and China's Belt and Road Initiative rising, worries arise over debt and politicized financing. Despite potential through regional integration, diverse political interests and institutional weaknesses remain obstacles.

Africa
Democratic Transitions

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Russia will suffer decreases in every dimension of prosperity

By Konstantin Sonin

Over fifteen years, Russia's economy stagnated with low growth and persistent inequality. Challenges include minority rights restrictions, healthcare issues, and an educational crisis due to teacher exodus.

Europe & Eurasia
Freedom and Prosperity

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Foreword: Creating another wave of democracy

By Daron Acemoglu

The best way to counter the current pernicious trends is to create another wave of democracy, similar to the one witnessed after the collapse of military dictatorships in Southern Europe in the 1970s. This requires reinstating democracy support, institutional trust, and empowering civil society appropriately.

Civil Society
Democratic Transitions

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Ukraine’s recovery hinges on allied support

By Yuriy Gorodnichenko

Ukraine faces challenges with its judicial system and war aftermath, including destruction, displacement, and educational setbacks. Recovery will require allied support and strategic policies.

Europe & Eurasia
Freedom and Prosperity
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