Freedom and democracy

Through data-driven analysis, targeted research initiatives, and strategic convenings, the Freedom and Prosperity Center explores how political freedom and democratic principles contribute to economic well-being and societal progress.

The future of democracy assistance

The Future of Democracy Assistance

This innovative new paper series provides an in-depth look at the many complex challenges to democracy around the world and highlights actionable policies that promote democratic governance.

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State of the Parties

State of the Parties

A pathbreaking paper series, State of the Parties examines the state of political parties in each major region; showing why a multiparty system is essential to democratic progress, freedom, and prosperity.

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Democracy Pulse

Democracy Pulse

Democracy Pulse breaks down the latest trends and data in democracy and human rights in a succinct shorts series. Available on YouTube and Atlantic Council TV.

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Research and publications

Report

Dec 11, 2024

Even in authoritarian countries, democracy advocates are worth investing in

By Fernanda Buril, Nate Grubman, and Patrick Quirk

Case studies in four different regions suggest that using foreign assistance to support actors and organizations advocating for democracy worldwide is an effective strategy, even if the payoff is not immediately apparent.  

Democratic Transitions Elections

Report

Sep 5, 2024

Supporting credible elections to advance democracy globally in 2024 and beyond

By Katherine Ellena, Mario Mitre, and Patrick Quirk

The US and its allies support free and fair elections to strengthen democracy, ensuring global stability and security. This paper explores how US foreign aid for elections is a wise investment, highlighting priority elections in 2024 and 2025 where focused assistance can uphold democratic values and foster citizens’ trust in the democratic process.

Africa Elections

New Atlanticist

Jul 24, 2024

The Biden administration has changed how the US engages with developing countries

By Joseph Lemoine

Under Biden, the White House has restored US backing for international organizations and helped launch new initiatives, such as the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment.

Africa Americas
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands during a ceremony at which Xi received an honorary degree from St. Petersburg State University, in St. Petersburg, Russia, June 6, 2019.

Report

Jul 3, 2024

Advancing freedom, defeating authoritarianism: A democracy agenda for 2025-2029

By Patrick Quirk

This report provides actionable and measurable policy recommendations for the upcoming administration’s foreign policy to advance democracy and strengthen the US position in international development.

Economy & Business Freedom and Prosperity

New Atlanticist

May 24, 2024

Thirty years of South African democracy, visualized

By James Storen, Nina Dannaoui-Johnson

With South Africans heading to the polls on May 29, it is worth reflecting on how their country has changed since transitioning to democracy in 1994.

Democratic Transitions Elections

New Atlanticist

Mar 22, 2024

Ahead of its presidential election, Senegal shows that democracy requires the rule of law

By James Storen, Annie (Yu-Lin) Lee

For Senegal to cement its status as a haven of democracy, the country must prioritize judicial independence and the rule of law.

Elections Freedom and Prosperity

Report

Jan 11, 2024

False promises: The authoritarian development models of China and Russia

By Joseph Lemoine, Dan Negrea, Patrick Quirk, Lauren Van Metre

Are authoritarian regimes more successful than free countries in offering prosperity to their people? The answer is decidedly no, yet China and Russia advertise the “benefits” and “promise” of their authoritarian development model. This paper showcases why and how the authoritarian development model is inferior to that of free societies.

China Democratic Transitions

Issue Brief

Sep 19, 2023

Less freedom, weaker states, more conflict: can that cycle be broken?

By Patrick W. Quirk and Owen L. Myers

Why and how advancing freedom (political, economic, and judicial components) is the surest way to advance sustainable stability and associated prosperity.

Democratic Transitions Freedom and Prosperity

Related Events

Public Event Wed, October 9, 2024 • 5:30 am ET

Advancing democracy: A fireside chat on US global leadership and priorities with Assistant Secretary Rand

Assistant Secretary Dafna Rand discusses her bureau’s priorities for supporting democracy in developing countries.
Democratic Transitions Elections Human Rights Political Reform
Public Event Thu, September 12, 2024 • 10:00 am ET

Elections under threat: Priorities for 2024, 2025, and beyond

The Freedom and Prosperity Center examines increasing threats to electoral integrity, the implications of global democratic decline for the United States and the world, and strategies for addressing this challenge.
Elections Politics & Diplomacy
Public Event Tue, May 9, 2023 • 10:00 am ET

NATO’s Mircea Geoana on security, freedom, and prosperity in Eastern Europe

Deputy Secretary General of NATO Mircea Geoană offered his analysis on the most successful policies implemented on the path to freedom and explored the future of Eastern Europe.
Democratic Transitions Eastern Europe Freedom and Prosperity Politics & Diplomacy

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Experts

Fellow

Patrick Quirk

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center GeoStrategy Initiative

Civil Society Conflict

Fellow

Joseph Lemoine

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Africa Economy & Business

Staff

Nina Dannaoui-Johnson

Senior Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Arabic Economy & Business

Explore our other pillars

Freedom and Prosperity Indexes

The Freedom and Prosperity Indexes analyze twenty-nine years of data taken from 164 countries to better understand how a strong rule of law, political freedom, and market economy provide the surest path to durable prosperity.

Prosperity in emerging markets

The Freedom and Prosperity Center sheds light on the challenges faced by emerging markets and offers practical solutions to attract more investment, improve the business climate, enhance competitiveness, and stimulate job creation.

Human flourishing

Seeing as true prosperity goes beyond economic metrics, the Freedom and Prosperity Center focuses on enhancing individual well-being by advancing policies and initiatives that foster personal development, dignity, and the holistic growth of societies.

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Explore the program

The Freedom and Prosperity Center aims to increase the well-being of people everywhere and especially that of the poor and marginalized in developing countries through unbiased, data-based research on the relationship between prosperity and economic, political, and legal freedoms, in support of sound policy choices.

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